Arizona sees rise in obesity rates
Danyelle Burke North
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – A recent study reports a rise in obesity rates in Arizona. According to the Invigor Medical study, adults in Arizona ages 55-64 saw the steepest increase of more than 9% growth rate from 2013 to 2023.
Onvida Health says over the last decade, around 30-32% of people struggle with some form of obesity in Yuma County. They say factors include inability to get out due to the heat, socio-economic status, and diet.
“30-32% are struggling with some form of obesity, and that can range anywhere from your mild obesity to your more morbid obesity. But we want to get every single patient out and about walking, moving, making small dietary changes that you know slowly but surely become habit in their daily lives,” said Onvida Health family nurse practitioner Marybel Gonzalez.
Obesity can contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.Onvida Health encourages people to get 30-45 minutes of daily exercise.