Obesity on the rise in Johnson County

Archive for Friday, July 10, 2009

July 10, 2009

Obesity in Johnson County is on the rise, according to a news release by the Johnson County Health Department.

A new report by the Kansas Health Institute, "Kansas County Health Rankings 2009", found in 2007 almost one-third, or 23 percent of the adults in Johnson County were obese, while 35.5 percent were considered overweight. In 2006, 21.5 percent of residents were obese, while 35 percent were overweight. In 2001, the beginning of study, 15 percent of adults were considered obese and 38 percent overweight, according to the study.

The study also found 79.5 percent of Johnson County residents do not eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Sixteen percent of Johnson Countians are considered physically inactive.