SPOTLIGHT ON OBESITY

The Sightlines Project found that the average BMI is increasing for Americans overall. Over one third of Americans under the age of 75 fall under the category of obese, or a BMI of 30 or more. This trend is prevalent despite an increase in exercise, even among younger generations. Our findings and expert commentaries provide some insight into what groups may be at risk and possible management methods to slow increase in our weight.

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SCL AFFILIATE SPOTLIGHT

DR. LISA GOLDMAN ROSAS
Professor of Medicine
Adjunct Lecturer, Stanford Prevention Research Center

rosas-01Dr. Rosas’ research focuses on reducing obesity in minority families by investigating influencers from the individual to the policy making level. She believes that having families, communities, and policy makers work together can form a comprehensive approach to understanding the underlying causes in health risks such as obesity, and that this well-rounded method may help to reduce risks more effectively in the future. Bio

“In my mind, we need to have a dual approach. We need to make the healthiest choice the easiest choice. And we need to work with individuals to help them take advantage of that.”

“We need to help them to undo some of the patterns that have developed and we need to help our younger people always know that a healthier choice is available and the best choice.”

To connect with our faculty affiliates, please contact SCL program manager, Nikki Tran ([email protected])

EXPLORE THE DATA

PERCENT OF AMERICANS WHO ARE OBESE

SIGHTLINES COMMENTARY

HOW KING COUNTY TACKLES HEALTHY FOOD AFFORDABILITY

During a community conversation in South King County—about 10 miles from Seattle—residents had the opportunity to share some of the on-the-ground realities of accessing healthy foods. Poignantly, one community member said, “If you are going to talk about access to healthy food, you have to talk about affordability.” Another community member added… Read more

SHARON BOGAN, MPH
PUBLIC HEALTH – SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY

SIGHTLINES STUDENT POST

BEYOND BMI: ASSESSING WEIGHT STATUS AS WE AGE

Body mass index, or BMI, is a common weight-for-height measure used to classify individuals by weight status—as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Because of its relevance to longevity, weight status is a key measure in the Sightlines project. Many trends in the Sightlines data on BMI merit investigation, one of which is the finding that Americans in the oldest age group (adults 75+) are most likely to have healthy BMI’s. Why might this be the case? … Read more

DARYTH GAYLES

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