Risk Factors for Obesity in Washington State The percentage of adults with obesity-related risk factors in 2003 varied by age group, sex, household income, education and race/ethnicity: Nutrition and Food Insecurity Many people who are obese have poor nutrition and may be "food insecure" because they do not have enough money to buy healthier (and more expensive) foods. Food insecurity is a condition where people lack basic foods and may not have enough food (skipping meals) to give them the energy and nutrients they need to have full productive lives. All adults and children need a minimum of five daily servings of fruits and vegetables to be healthy. For more details: Risk Factors for Obesity in Washington State: Nutrition and Food Insecurity, (MS Word 69KB)
While only 23% of Washington adults consume the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended daily for good health, 2003 data show that younger adults, and those with lower levels of income and education are even less likely to eat enough fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. About 9% of Washington's population were unable to get enough food at all times for an active and healthy life. Women, young adults and adults with lower levels of income and education are at particularly high risk of food insecurity. Physical Activity Only 63% of Washington adults get the recommended amount of physical activity through their work or leisure time activities. For more information: Risk Factors for Obesity in Washington State: Physical Activity, (MS Word 54 KB) 
Adults with lower levels of household income and education were less likely to get enough physical activity to stay healthy in 2003. Adults in older age groups are less likely to get enough physical activity compared to younger adults. 
Data from the Washington Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) (External Site) show one in every four Washington students in grades 8, 10 and 12 were either overweight or at-risk of becoming overweight. And while 80% of 8th graders got the recommended amount of vigorous or moderate physical activity per day, only 67% of 12th graders did so. The percentage of adolescents who ate fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day ranged from 26% (8th graders) to 21% (12th graders). More information on physical activity and dietary behavior in youth can be found in the 2004 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey Report (PDF 2.14MB). | 
