Obesity by ZIP Code: Snohomish Health District
updates countywide obesity
and diabetes data

Brief illustrates by postal areas, the health status and needs of the community
JOURNAL STAFF The local public health agency for Snohomish County released a policy brief, “Obesity in Our Community.” The six-page report presents community-specific data on obesity, diabetes, and diabetes-related deaths in Snohomish County.

“Providing comprehensive, accurate, and timely health data to residents and policymakers is a core function of public health,” Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Health Officer and Director of Snohomish Health District said. “Improving human health begins with understanding the facts. This brief informs the people and their leaders, so we can start talking about what we must do to keep our communities healthy.”

Key findings include:
• The percentage of obese adults doubled in Snohomish County from 13.1 percent in 1994 to 27.7 percent in 2007.

• Dramatic disparities emerged, illustrating the uneven prevalence of obesity, obesity prior to pregnancy, diabetes, and consequent health outcomes such as diabetes-related deaths by postal area.

• Obesity, diabetes, and their health outcomes are associated with poverty and area resources, including property values.

• No single tactic will lessen the burden of obesity. Combinations of high-level policy and environmental changes in communities show the most promise of making healthy choices easier.

Examples include adding bike lanes and sidewalks to connect neighborhoods and schools, and providing nutrition information in restaurants.

To date, this is the most specific health data released in Snohomish County.

The brief is available in PDF format at the following Web site: http://www.snohd.org/snoWellness/ObesityBrief.htm.

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