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National Data: An Inside Look at the Behaviors that Contribute to Obesity-related Conditions

by | Jan 2, 2017

Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese.

Currently, no state has a prevalence of obesity less than 20%. In fact, the prevalence of obesity in most states is greater than 30%.

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Diet and physical activity are the primary controllable risk factors for obesity.

Every day, Noom collects big data on the diet and physical activity behaviors of users from millions of users across the country. According to our internal data, states with the highest rates of obesity are eating more and moving less. 

(Download the complete infographic here)

When it comes to diet, states with the highest rates of obesity are consuming an excess of calories. Maine, South Dakota, and Kentucky are among the states with the highest calorie intake. Compared to states with lower rates of obesity, like California, Hawaii, and DC, individuals in those states are consuming an average of 453 calories more every day. This equates to 3,151 more calories per week, which is the equivalent of about 1lb per week.

When it comes to physical activity, the states with the highest rates of obesity also fare worse. Noom users in Iowa, Missouri, and Texas are among the least active, and get an average of 46 less minutes of physical activity per week than some of the more active states including California, DC, and Colorado. That means, in states with the highest prevalence of obesity, one person is burning about 500 calories less every week.

To reverse these trends, initiatives that target the diet and physical activity habits of Americans to produce transformative weight loss are necessary.

Losing just 5% of body weight can:

  • Lower risk of chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes
  • Manage existing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
  • Increase longevity
  • Improve mental health
  • Reduce health care spending

Noom’s data helps us understand the trends in obesity we see across the nation. It can also help us better target the behaviors that predict obesity and obesity-related conditions.

Our approach to behavior change has helped 78% of users achieve sustained weight loss using Noom. Users in Noom’s structured programs are even more successful, losing an average of 7.5% of their body weight.

Harnessing the potential of big data and artificial intelligence, along with the power of human coaching, allows us to create an individualized yet scalable solution that works. 

If you’re an employer or health solutions provider, click here to learn how Noom’s Diabetes Prevention, Hypertension Prevention, Diabetes Management, Hypertension Management, and Co-Morbid programs can improve the health of your populations.