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Disparities in obesity rates: analysis by ZIP code area.
Adam Drewnowski1, Colin D Rehm, David Solet
1University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. adamdrew@u.washington.edu
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|September 1, 2007
Summary
Geographic location significantly impacts obesity rates, with area-based wealth being a stronger predictor than individual income. This study reveals greater obesity disparities at the ZIP code level in King County, Washington.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- Obesity in the United States is linked to individual socioeconomic factors like income and education.
- The geographic distribution and area-based predictors of obesity are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between obesity rates at the ZIP code scale and area-based socioeconomic status and wealth in King County, Washington.
- To compare geographic disparities in obesity with disparities linked to individual income and race/ethnicity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Geocoding of health data to the ZIP code level.
- Statistical modeling adjusting for covariates and spatial dependence to assess predictors of obesity prevalence.
Main Results:
- Obesity rates varied six-fold across ZIP codes in King County.
- Area-based property values were the strongest predictor of smoothed obesity prevalence, even after adjusting for other factors.
- ZIP code-level disparities in obesity were more pronounced than those associated with individual income or race/ethnicity.
Conclusions:
- Geographic location and area-based socioeconomic factors, particularly property values, are significant determinants of obesity prevalence.
- Geocoding health data offers valuable insights into the social determinants of health.
- Place-based disparities in obesity are a critical public health concern requiring targeted interventions.
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