The State of Obesity in Kansas: A Community Based Approach to Chronic Care Management.

Abstract

Based on the current prevalence of obesity and projected growth rates, approximately 50% of all adults ages 18 and older in the United States will be obese within the next 10 years.1 The state of Kansas is projected to have greater obesity rates than the national average during this timeframe at 55.6% of the population. Current estimates rank Kansas 12th in the nation for obesity prevalence, with 34.4% of adults ages 18 and older who are obese, and 39th in the nation for childhood obesity with 12.5% of the population ages 0 – 17 with obesity.2–4 The increasing prevalence of obesity is associated with a variety of factors including: socioeconomic status, ethnic and racial disparities, genetics, geographic location, age, disability status, pregnancy, associated comorbid medical conditions, access to food, cultural beliefs, and health behaviors.5–20 Socioeconomic factors including income level, education, ethnicity, race, unemployment, and geographic location have a significant influence on the development of obesity (Figure 1).1,5–10 Obesity prevalence is correlated negatively with income level, with increased rates of obesity noted in low income populations. Individuals with limited financial means often live in food deserts and gravitate toward convenient food sources that are highly processed, low in nutrient density, and high in caloric content with a long shelf life. Within the city of Wichita, there are 44 square miles of food deserts where individuals live more than 1 mile from a grocery store.12 With limited access to food, individuals within these neighborhoods increasingly utilize convenience stores that are located within walking distance. A study conducted by the Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita in 2013 showed that convenience stores make up 40% of the retailers within Wichita, but only 44% offer fresh fruits and 9% offer fresh vegetables.12 The cost associated with fresh produce at these locations can be up to four times the cost of fresh produce purchased from grocery stores. Open in a separate window Figure 1 The impact of socioeconomic factors on the development of obesity rates within the state of Kansas. Rates reflect self-reported survey data and likely underestimate the true prevalence and the effect of demographics on the development of this disease. [Figure created with BioRender.com.]