How Physical Health Impacts Quality of Life
Physical health significantly influences quality of life by directly impacting an individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, pursue goals, and enjoy experiences. Good physical health enhances mobility, strength, and endurance, allowing for greater independence and productivity. It also contributes to improved mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety1. On the other hand, poor physical health can limit mobility, cause chronic pain, and hinder participation in social and recreational activities, which can lead to diminished overall satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Prioritizing physical health through regular exercise, proper nutrition, preventive care, and disease management is essential for optimizing quality of life.
Obesity among Adults
Why this is important: Adult obesity significantly increases the risk of developing a wide range of serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer2. Excess body weight is associated with increased strain on the heart, which can contribute to hypertension, high cholesterol levels, and a higher likelihood of heart attacks or strokes3. Obesity can exacerbate existing health issues, reduce mobility, and diminish overall quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing and managing weight through healthy lifestyle changes. The Healthy People 2030 national target is 36%.
Definition: Percent of adults age 18 or older who have body mass index 30 kg/m2 or higher (obese)
Trend: The percent of adults in Whatcom County who have a reported body mass index equal to 30 kg/m2 or above has varied around 25% between 2015 and 2022. During this time there have not been any significant changes.
Geography: The percent of adults in Whatcom County with a reported body mass index equal to 30 kg/m2 or above is similar to the percent for Washington State.
Disparities: Among adults in Whatcom County that have a reported body mass index equal to 30 kg/m2 or above, there is evidence of a disparity for age group for the combined years 2018-22. Hover over the data in the subpopulation tabs to discover more.
Learn more:
- Obesity Definition, Harvard University, TC Chan School of Public Health.
- Understanding Adult Overweight & Obesity, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.
- Obesity Data and Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Gaps remain between what’s known about obesity and how it’s being treated, American Heart Association, 2024.
- Use of BMI alone is an imperfect clinical measure, American Medical Association.
Obesity among Youth
Why this is important: Youth obesity can increase the risk of near-term health problems such as asthma, joint issues, poor self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. It can also lead to obesity in adulthood and conditions associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The Healthy People 2030 national target is 15.5% (ages 2-19).
Definition: Percent of 10th grade students who are obese (above the 95th percentile for BMI)
Trend: The percent of 10th grade students who are reported as obese (above the 95th percentile for BMI) in Whatcom County significantly increased between 2012-14, but then remained steady through 2018. The percent of 10th grade students in this category in 2021 during the COVID-19 Pandemic is similar to previous years. Caution should be used when interpreting 2021 survey data until further data is available.
Geography: In 2021, the percent of 10th grade students who are reported as obese in Whatcom County is significantly lower than that for Washington State.
Disparities: In 2021, among the 10th grade students in Whatcom County who are reported as obese, evidence of disparities is found for different racial groups.
Learn more:
- Risk Factors for Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- About Healthy Weight and Growth, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Overweight or Obesity – Youth in Washington, America’s Health Rankings.
- Helping Your Child Who Is Overweight, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Measuring Obesity: It is important to note that body mass index is only one way to measure obesity4, and the associated conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, have complex causes. In addition to nutrition and physical activity, genetics and environmental factors can influence obesity5.
Diabetes among Adults
Why this is important: Diabetes among adults significantly increases the risk of developing other health problems. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart and kidney disease, nerve and eye damage, and an increased susceptibility to infections6. However, diabetes can be effectively managed with physical activity, diet, and medication, significantly reducing the severity of complications. Early detection of diabetes or prediabetes also helps prevent long-term health consequences, so regular medical check-ups are important, especially for people with obesity or a family history of diabetes.
Definition: Percent of adults age 18 or older who have ever been told by a doctor that they have diabetes
Trend: The percent of adults in Whatcom County who have been told by a doctor that they have diabetes has remained stable between 2019-2022.
Geography: The percent of adults in Whatcom County who have been told by a doctor that they have diabetes is similar to that across Washington State.
Disparities: Among the adults in Whatcom County who have been told by a doctor that they have diabetes, there is evidence of a disparity for age. Hover over the data in the subpopulation tabs to discover more.
Learn more:
- Diabetes Prevention, Mount Baker Foundation.
- Diabetes, Washington State Department of Health.
- Diabetes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- American Diabetes Association
Low Birthweight
Why this is important: Babies born with low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds or 2,500 grams) may face challenges such as developmental delays, respiratory problems, and a higher susceptibility to infections7. Addressing factors contributing to low birth weight through comprehensive prenatal care is crucial for promoting healthy birth weights for newborns and reducing the burden of long-term health issues for families and the healthcare system.
Definition: Percent of live born singleton births with birth weight less than 2,500 grams
Trend: In 2022, about 5.6% of singleton births in Whatcom County had a birth weight less than 2,500 grams. The percent of births with low birth weight has not changed significantly over time in Whatcom County.
Geography: The rate of low birth weight infants born in Whatcom County in 2022 (5.6%) is significantly lower than the rate in Washington State (7.0%).
Disparities: Among live births with birth weight less than 2,500 grams, evidence of disparities is observed for maternal age and racial group. Hover over the data in the subpopulation tabs to discover more.
Learn more:
- Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) Program, Whatcom Taking Action.
- Birth Outcomes Data, WA State Department of Health.
- Reproductive & Birth Outcomes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Low birthweight, March of Dimes.
Hospitalizations for Falls
Why this is important: Falls are the leading cause of injury for older8 adults nationally, causing fractures, sprains, head injuries, and other issues. Extended hospitalization and long-term care stays for rehabilitation may worsen existing health conditions and increase the risk of secondary infections such as pneumonia, particularly among frail individuals. In addition to physical limitations following falls, fear of falling again and loss of confidence can further contribute to reduced mobility and independence, leading to social isolation, depression, and diminished quality of life9.
Definition: Number of hospitalizations for falls among adults 65 and older per 100,000 people
Trend: The rate of hospitalizations for falls among adults 65 and older in Whatcom County has not been changing significantly since 2012.
Geography: There was not a significant different in the rate of hospitalizations for falls among adults 65 and older in Whatcom County compared to Washington State in 2021.
Disparities: Disparities exist in the rate of hospitalizations for falls among adults 65 and older between the sexes and among different age groups.
Learn more:
- Fall Prevention Resources, WA State Department of Health.
- Finding Our Balance: 2018 Washington State Action Plan for Older Adult Falls Prevention, WA State Department of Health.
- Falls Free CheckUp, National Council on Aging.
- Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2012–2018, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020.
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