HEALTH RISK

Overweight is associated with high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes and is an independent risk factor for heart disease. Overweight also increases the risk for gall bladder disease and certain types of cancers.

Studies reveal that the reduction in body weight can lower blood pressure and improve blood cholesterol levels in overweight individuals and in individuals who have high blood pressure or blood cholesterol.

OVERWEIGHT IN ALASKA

YEAR 2000 NATIONAL HEALTH OBJECTIVES

Reduce overweight to a prevalence of no more than 20% among people aged 20 and older, and no more than 15% among adolescents aged 12 to 19 (based on body mass index).

Source: State of Alaska, Division of Public Health, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 1992.