BS Karissa Ryan’s research while affiliated with University of Wisconsin–Madison and other places

Importance: A comprehensive obesity surveillance system monitors obesity rates along with causes and related health policies, which are valuable for tracking and identifying problems needing intervention. Methods: A statewide obesity dashboard was created using the County Health Rankings model. Indicators were obtained through publicly available secondary data sources and used to rank Wisconsin amongst other states on obesity rates, health factors, and policies. Results: Wisconsin consistently ranks in the middle of states for a majority of indicators and has not implemented any of the evidence-based health policies. Conclusions and relevance: This state of obesity report shows Wisconsin has marked room for improvement regarding obesity prevention, especially with obesity-related health policies. Physicians and health care systems can play a pivotal role in making progress on obesity prevention.

Importance: Although the trends in obesity in Wisconsin overall are well described, less is known about characteristics and health consequences of different degrees of obesity. The Survey of the Health of Wisconsin is a novel population-based health examination survey that provides reliable and valid objective measurements of body mass index. Objective: Data from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin is used to characterize the prevalence and consequences of different levels of obesity and track trends over time. Methods: A total of 3,384 participants age 21-74 years and living in Wisconsin at the time of data collection were surveyed in 2008-2013. Participants completed computer-assisted interviews and physical exams. Predictors and comorbidities of different levels of obesity were measured as prevalence, odds ratios, and population-attributable prevalence. Results: Of Wisconsin adults, 1.2% (CI, 0.7-1.7) are underweight, 26.1% (CI, 23.8-28.4) are normal weight, 33.4% (CI, 31.0-35.7) are overweight, and 39.4% (CI, 35.0-43.7) are obese—with 20.1 % (CI, 18.4-21.9), 10.3% (CI, 9.0-11.7), and 8.9% (CI, 7.6-10.2) in Class I, Class II, and Class III obesity categories, respectively. Obesity rates are higher in people who are older, poor, less educated, minorities, or who live in a community with high economic hardship. There is a dose response relationship between level of obesity and prevalence of all 9 comorbidities that were examined. Conclusions and relevance: Measured rates of obesity in Wisconsin adults are higher than previously reported for the state, and obesity accounts for a significant proportion of chronic diseases.