Iowa State Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Profile

Many American communities lack environments that could support healthy diets and regular physical activity. Healthy dietary and physical activity practices can lower the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.^1,2

In addition, excess calorie intake and physical inactivity contribute to obesity, which is associated with some of the leading preventable chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Among adults, the medical costs associated with obesity are an estimated $147 billion.^1,2,3

Public health approaches can help make healthy options available, accessible, and affordable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) supports the nation to establish sustainable programs to improve dietary quality, increase physical activity, and reduce obesity and overweight. DNPAO funds and works with state health departments through a cooperative agreement (State Public Health Actions to Prevent and Control Diabetes, Heart Disease, Obesity and Associated Risk Factors and Promote School Health program).

This profile highlights data on dietary quality, physical activity, and obesity in Iowa and select activities funded with this cooperative agreement. For more information about CDC’s work to support healthy eating and physical activity, please see the DNPAO website.

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Population Statistics

Estimated Population of Iowa: 3,123, 899⁴

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Adult Statistics

Dietary Behaviors⁵

• 39.3% of adults reported consuming fruit less than one time daily.
• 26.8% of adults reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily.

Physical Activity⁵

• 46.9% of adults achieved the equivalent of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week.

Overweight and Obesity⁵

• 36.0% of adults were overweight.
• 30.9% of adults had obesity.

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Child Statistics

Breastfeeding⁵

• 83.4% of infants were ever breastfed.
• 51.4% of infants were breastfed for at least 6 months.

Overweight and Obesity⁵

• 17.1% of children aged 2 to 4 years in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program were overweight.
• 15.1% of children aged 2 to 4 years in WIC had obesity.

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State Activities

Iowa worked on the following select activities during the first 2 years of the State Public Health Actions program.

• Recruited and contracted with five rural birthing hospitals that serve a high percentage of Medicaid eligible women. Technical assistance and training in maternity care practices will be provided to participating hospitals.
• Worked with Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to implement projects including the formation of walking clubs and I-WALK walkability assessments in areas surrounding congregate meal sites. As of March 2015, contracts with five AAAs are in place. Four AAAs have already completed the I-WALK walkability assessment and one AAA has established their walking club.

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