Politics & Government

See Which Downstate New York County is Fattest

Bellies are only getting bigger across the state. Find out where your county ranks.

Step away from the milkshake.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, waistlines across New York are expanding, with some counties ranking fatter than others.

But where does your county stand compared to others in the downstate area.

We've compiled a list based on the CDC's data on obesity in 2009, its most recent report, comparing the recent age of obese adults in nearby counties. We've also included the obesity rates from 2004, which in every case was lower than 2009.

The CDC defines an adult as obese when their body mass index is 30 or higher. For example, a 5 foot 9 inch adult would weigh 203 pounds or more to be considered obese, putting them at greater risk for diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure.

The good news is the downstate area generally has lower obesity rates than areas upstate, with Lake Ontario-bordering Oswego County earning the title of fattest, with 34.2 percent of adults considered obese.

Here's the list:

1. Putnam County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 28.7 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 22.3 percent

2. Bronx County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 27.5 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 21.9 percent

3. Orange County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 26.3 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 21.6 percent

4. Suffolk County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 25.6 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 21.8 percent

4. Rockland County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 25.6 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 19.6 percent

6. Kings County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 24.5 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 21.6 percent

7. Queens County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 22.4 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 18.2 percent

8. Nassau County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 21.3 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 18.5 percent

9. Westchester County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 17.3 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004: 16.9 percent

10. New York County

Obesity Rate in 2009: 15.1 percent
Obesity Rate in 2004:13.8 percent

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


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