Dartmouth Medicine HomeCurrent IssueAbout UsContact UsSearchPodcasts

PDF Version   Printer-Friendly Version

Vital Signs

Facts & Figures - Sliding scale

Forces that foster, and counteract, the obesity epidemic.

34%
Percentage of U.S. adults who were obese in 2007 (with obesity defined as having a body mass index of 30 or more)

24%
Percentage of New Hampshire adults who were obese in 2007

30
Number of states with an obesity rate of 25% or more in 2007

0
Number of states with an obesity rate of 15% or more in 1987

2008
Year that Dartmouth economist David Blanchflower released a study demonstrating the phenomenon of "imitative obesity," whereby people are subconsciously influenced by the weight of those around them

453
Number of bariatric surgeries performed at DHMC from 2003 to 2006

87% / 68%
Percentage of those cases—laparoscopic and open, respectively—in which patients lost at least half their excess body weight within a year

59%
Percentage of U.S. adults who do no vigorous leisure physical activity

3.3
Miles of walking trails maintained on the DHMC campus for the use of patients, their families, visitors, and employees


If you'd like to offer feedback about this article, we'd welcome getting your comments at DartMed@Dartmouth.edu.

This article may not be reproduced or reposted without permission. To inquire about permission, contact DartMed@Dartmouth.edu.

Back to Table of Contents

Dartmouth Medical SchoolDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CenterWhite River Junction VAMCNorris Cotton Cancer CenterDartmouth College