It's a New Day in Public Health.
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Healthy Volusia Report examines obesity in Volusia County
November 13, 2014
Breastfeeding is correlated with healthier weight status for both mother and child. Infants who are breastfed have a reduced risk of being an overweight child, and as the duration of breastfeeding increases, the odds of a child being overweight decreases.
Children enjoy a healthier weight status than adults in Volusia County. This is consistent with the national trend of lower weight status in younger children.
Obesity costs Volusia County tax payers 9.3 percent more on average in additional hospitalization charges for obese Type II diabetics than non-obese Type II diabetics.
The Southwest Quadrant of Volusia County has the highest rate of hospitalizations with obesity as a diagnosis. The same holds true for obesity related chronic illnesses, such as stroke, Type II diabetes and cancer. It also has the greatest percentage of Hispanics in the county.
Volusia County adults are at greater risk for obesity-related chronic disease. They are more than two times the Healthy People 2020 recommended obesity target and 1.5 times greater than the U.S. obesity rate.
Additional Resources
For Media Inquiries
@HealthyVolusia
@HealthyFla
Connect with DOH