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Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity: Wisconsin Data

How do Wisconsinites measure up?

Adults

Obesity rates have been rising for decades. Wisconsin statistics are consistent with national averages. Data show 68% of Wisconsin adults are affected by excess weight. Let’s work together to lower these rates.

Weight status data Wisconsin U.S.
Percent of adults who have an overweight BMI (body mass index) classification (BMI between 25-30) 36.1 34.8
Percent of adults who have obesity (BMI ≥30) 32.3 31.9

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2020

Physical activity data Wisconsin U.S.
Percent of adults who meet aerobic activity guidelines (achieve at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity) 55.2 51.5
Percent of adults who meet aerobic and muscle strengthening (two or more days per week) physical activity guidelines 24.7 23.0
Percent of adults who engage in no leisure-time physical activity 20.5 23.5

Source: CDC: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2019

Nutrition data Wisconsin U.S.
Percent of adults consuming fruit less than 1 time daily 38.9 39.2
Percent of adults consuming vegetables less than 1 time daily 22.8 21.0

CDC: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2019

High school students

Wisconsin students have lower overweight and obesity rates compared to national averages, but engage in moderate/vigorous physical activity daily less.

Weight status data Wisconsin U.S.
Percent of students grades 9-12 who have an overweight BMI classification (BMI between 85th-95th percentile) 14.6 16.1
Percent of students grades 9-12 who have obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) 14.5 15.5

Source: CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2019

Physical activity data Wisconsin U.S.
Percent of students grades 9-12 achieving 1 hour or more of moderate-and/or vigorous-intensity physical activity daily 21.3 23.2

Source: CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2019

Nutrition data Wisconsin U.S.
Percent of students grades 9-12 consuming fruit fewer than 1 time daily 38.7 39.2
Percent of students grades 9-12 consuming vegetables fewer than 1 time daily 40.0 40.6

Source: CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System 2019

Last revised April 7, 2023