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Press release
September 15, 2021
Obesity is a known risk factor for COVID-19 and is associated with outcomes on physical and mental well-being
Data released today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that Minnesota’s adult obesity rate in 2020 was 30.7%, up from 30.1% in 2019. Although the 0.6% increase is not considered significant, it highlights current public health issues. on state and national obesity rates.
Obese Minnesotans are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and other serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Obesity is also associated with poor physical and mental well-being, which now makes it an important time for Minnesotans to focus on their well-being, be active and eat healthy.
Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder than ever for Minnesotans and medical professionals to deal with chronic health conditions such as obesity. For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has created high levels of anxiety, stress, and feelings of social isolation, which has an impact on their weight, mental well-being and physical health. one person. The pandemic has also hampered the Minnesotans’ ability to connect with their health care providers to resolve other health issues.
“Obesity and other chronic health issues have been a priority for many years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made progress more difficult,” Commissioner Malcolm said. “Even as we work hard to deal with the impacts of the pandemic, we cannot afford to lose sight of the fact that these other health issues have not gone away, with a plan to move towards greater good- to be.
Poor physical or mental health prevented 41.8% of obese Minnesotans from engaging in their usual activities, according to self-reports and analysis of 2020 Minnesota data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This means that Minnesotans who say they are obese were 1.4 times more likely than other Minnesotans to report that poor physical or mental health prevented usual activities for 14 days or more in the past month, according to the analysis. and the BRFSS survey.
“Reversing the trend of obesity will require addressing well-being in all areas of our communities,” said Commissioner Malcolm. “We also need to recognize existing health disparities and inequalities and address social determinants of health, such as poverty and lack of access to health care, if we are to ensure that everyone can be healthy. as healthy as possible. ”
Minnesota efforts such as the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), #StayConnectedMN, as well as MDH programs focused on mental wellness, resilience learning, and suicide prevention aim to foster positive wellness in school, in the workplace, in religious communities and in health care. and community organizations to facilitate communication around mental well-being, build coping skills and encourage reach in those around us.
The CDC released state and territory specific data on the prevalence of obesity in adults based on responses to a telephone health survey via BRFSS. MDH uses this data to inform the public about obesity rates in the state, track changes over time, and support the planning of public health interventions to reduce obesity.
The national adult obesity rate rose to 31.9%, from 31.4% in 2019. The number of states in which at least 35% of residents are obese has nearly doubled since 2018 – and disparities persist – according to the CDC. Minnesota is not included in this group of states because its obesity prevalence is less than 35%.
Note for media
The use of person-centered language (eg, obese adults) is encouraged when discussing topics such as obesity and other chronic diseases, as is respectful imagery. The Obesity Action Coalition has more information – please see the Guidelines for Media Portrayals of People Affected by Obesity (PDF).
-MDH-
Media inquiries:
Scott Smith
MDH communication
651-503-1440
[email protected] (prefer)
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