Thoughts on Equity

Obesity report exposes racial disparities

September 27, 2021

Thoughts on Equity is a blog series presented by the Kansas Health Foundation to feature written, video and audio content from multiple KHF contributors. Through this blog, KHF will discuss issues of equity, systemic racism, health disparities and how Kansans have the opportunity to shape a more equitable and inclusive future.

Thoughts on Equity: Obesity report exposes racial disparities

During the past few months, we’ve been highlighting health disparities and inequities among Communities of Color. These communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with historically higher rates of infection, hospitalization and death, and on average, tend to live in areas with lower life expectancy, limited incomes and lower health outcomes.

In a report recently released by Trust for America’s Health, called State of Obesity 2021: Better Policies for a Healthier America, we learned 35.3 percent of Kansas adults are obese and 69.7 percent are overweight or obese. The rates are highest for Communities of Color, and this reflects a continuing pattern of racial disparities within key health outcomes.

To learn more about this report and its impact on Kansans, please watch the video below.

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