Obesity poses a significant health concern impacting millions of Americans, heightening the susceptibility to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overall obesity rate among adults nationwide stood at 32.2% in 2020.
To gain insight into how New Jersey fares compared to other states in terms of obesity, and to identify the city within the Garden State with the highest obesity rate, further investigation is warranted.
New Jersey’s Obesity Rate
New Jersey’s adult obesity rate is slightly below the national average. In 2020, the state’s obesity rate stood at 28.6%, earning it the 35th spot among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This indicates that over one in four adults in New Jersey grapple with obesity.
Nevertheless, obesity prevalence in New Jersey exhibits notable variations based on race and ethnicity. According to data from the New Jersey State Health Assessment (NJSHAD), the obesity rate among White adults was 25.5%, Black adults experienced a rate of 39.9%, Hispanic adults had a rate of 36.1%, and Asian adults showed a lower rate of 11.4% in 2020.
These differences underscore the impact of social and environmental factors on obesity, including income, education, access to nutritious food, and opportunities for physical activity.
The City with the Highest Obesity Rate
In 2020, Cumberland County, situated in the southern part of New Jersey, displayed the highest obesity rate among the state’s 21 counties at 38.9%. With a population of around 149,000 people, Cumberland County faced a notable health challenge.
Within Cumberland County, the city of Bridgeton stood out with the highest obesity rate, reaching a significant 47.7% among adults. Serving as both the county seat and the largest city in Cumberland County, Bridgeton is home to approximately 24,000 people.
Despite its size, the city grapples with economic hardships, boasting a median household income of $34,000 and a poverty rate of 31.5%, marking it as one of New Jersey’s economically disadvantaged areas.
Bridgeton contends with several factors contributing to its elevated obesity rate, including food insecurity, limited healthcare access, lower educational achievement, and a scarcity of recreational facilities.
Statistics from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey reveal that 18.5% of Cumberland County residents experience food insecurity, lacking reliable access to nutritious food.
Furthermore, the health landscape in Cumberland County is marked by challenges, with only 66.4% of residents having a consistent source of healthcare, notably lower than the statewide figure of 80.9%.
Educational attainment is also a concern, as only 69.4% of Cumberland County residents hold a high school diploma or higher, compared to the higher rate of 89.2% seen in the rest of New Jersey.
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What Can Be Done to Reduce Obesity?
Obesity is a multifaceted issue that demands a comprehensive and coordinated approach. There isn’t a singular solution to tackle obesity; instead, a combination of strategies is needed, addressing individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels.
Several potential interventions can contribute to reducing obesity:
- Promoting healthy eating habits and enhancing access to affordable and nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products.
- Â Encouraging physical activity and providing safe and convenient spaces for walking, biking, playing, and exercising, such as parks, trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
- Supporting health education and awareness campaigns that educate people about the causes, consequences, and prevention of obesity, along with the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
- Providing healthcare services and programs that screen, diagnose, treat, and prevent obesity and its related complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
- Implementing policies and regulations that establish a supportive environment for healthy choices. This includes measures like taxing sugary drinks, banning trans fats, requiring calorie labeling, and restricting the marketing of junk food.
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Final Words
Bridgeton, a municipality located in Cumberland County, New Jersey, holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest obesity rate in the state, with almost half of its adult population classified as obese.
This concerning statistic underscores the myriad challenges faced by the city, including issues like poverty, food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, low educational attainment, and a dearth of opportunities for physical activity.
Addressing the obesity problem and enhancing overall health outcomes requires a comprehensive and collaborative strategy that engages diverse stakeholders and sectors.
Through the promotion of healthy eating habits, increased physical activity, health education initiatives, improved access to healthcare, and the implementation of supportive policies, we can contribute to a healthier and more promising future not only for Bridgeton but also for other communities across New Jersey.
