Data Highlight: Oklahoma ranks 47 (of 51) for prevalence of obesity in women. Women in Colorado have the lowest rate of obesity at 23.8 percent, and women in Mississippi have the highest rates at 40.8 percent of all women.8
DEFINITION
Women reporting a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, for 2018. 8
OKLAHOMA
Lookbook Vol. 2
Obesity in Women
36.8 percent
NATIONAL AVERAGE 31.9 percent
Why We Care: As a state, Oklahoma struggles with rates of obesity that are higher than the national average. There are a variety of factors contributing to obesity in Oklahoma, making it a complex health issue to address. Some of these factors include the ability to access and participate in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. Other factors, like community environment and economic opportunity play just as important a role. 84 For women who do not have extra funds to spend on gym memberships, built environments can provide the opportunity to exercise. However, Oklahoma is not a pedestrian or cycling-friendly state; most of the state is rural and sprawling, and in urban areas consistent sidewalks and bike lanes are lacking. Additionally, many Oklahoma women live in food deserts, making it more difficult and expensive to access fresh fruits and vegetables. 84 Lack of access to healthy food, adequate wages to buy healthy food, and environments that support healthy movement and physical activity comes at a cost for Oklahoma women affected by obesity. Some of the health consequences of obesity include high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Obesity impacts Oklahoma women’s physical, mental, and economic health. 84
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What We Can Do: - Improve access to parks, bike lanes, and sidewalks - Ensure that communities have access to full grocery stores, and less “dollar” convenience stores - Increase access to community centers, public parks, and low or no-cost amenities that boost physical activity - Further subsidize sliding scale community fitness centers and gym memberships, allowing for economically disinvested communities to further participate
