Obesity and Physical Activity rates by age group, sex, educational attainment, and income level. Banded in 3 year increments since 2012 for both Erie County and Pennsylvania. Obesity is defined as those with a BMI over 30. Physical activity data in regards to physical activity during leisure time.

Being overweight or obese puts a person at greater risk for a wide variety of serious health problems. Obesity is recognized as a national problem that has grown tremendously over the last three decades, contributing to increases in medical expenditures for treatment of related diseases. Active adults are likely to be healthier than their inactive counterparts, leading to a higher quality of life and lower long-term health costs. Exercise can control weight, improve physical strength and mental health, and reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers.

Age

As age increases, both in Erie County and across Pennsylvania, people tend to have less time for physical activity. This trend is particularly evident in Erie County, where the obesity rate has been steadily rising among older age groups between 2020 and 2022. For individuals aged 45-64, the obesity rate has reached its highest point at 48%. Similarly, the 65+ age group in Erie County saw an increase in obesity rates, reaching 34% between 2020 and 2022. This rise highlights the growing concern over the health and wellness of older adults as they age, both locally and statewide.

Sex

Obesity rates in Erie County have gradually increased for both genders, with a notable yet small difference between them. This follows a pattern seen from 2018-2020, where women had less time for leisure physical activity than men.

Education Attainment

High school graduates in Erie County and Pennsylvania have the highest percentage of individuals with no leisure time for physical activity. In Erie County, obesity rates have been slightly increasing across all age groups, with a significant rise amongthose with some college degree, where the rate was 44% during the period from 2020 to 2022. This is notably higher compared to Pennsylvania, where the rate was 35%.

Income

When comparing income levels, leisure time for physical activity in Erie County aligns closely with statewide trends in Pennsylvania. Specifically, individuals with higher income levels tend to have more leisure time available for physical activity. Similarly, obesity has Erie County residents at lower rates specific to the low-income category. 

EVS analyzes the data in each topic category using indicators, which report a targeted and digestible number, rate, or amount to represent Erie County as a whole. While this does not cover every aspect of the topic, it assists in establishing Erie's performance relative to the prior year(s). The indicators for the Health: Obesity & Physical Activity topic are:

This indicator measures the percentage of the total Erie County population who are obese (have a BMI GE 30) for the latest data set. The trend for Obesity was up for the 2020 to 2022 period with a reported increase of 4.0% within the County.

This indicator measures the percentage of the total Erie County population engaging in leisure-time physical activity. The trend for Physical Activity During Leisure Time was stable from 2018-2020 period to 2020-2022 period with a reported 25% within the County.

These data were provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Department specifically disclaims responsibility for any analyses, interpretations, or conclusions. Updated as of 08/2024.