By Ron Rocky Coloma
Guam has joined the ranks of U.S. states and territories where adult obesity rates exceed 35 percent, according to the latest data released last week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Guam is among the 25 U.S. jurisdictions with high rates of obesity, highlighting an increasing public health concern for the island.
The 2023 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps, which is based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, revealed that 35.4 percent of adults in Guam are classified as obese, a significant rise from previous years.
Obesity, defined as having a body mass index of 30 or higher, is linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
The CDC emphasizes that obesity is not just a cosmetic concern but a chronic disease that can severely impact a person’s quality of life.
Before 2013, no state or territory had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent. However, the 2023 data show that this threshold has been exceeded in 48 states, the District of Columbia and three territories, marking a notable increase in obesity rates across the country.
Guam’s rise in obesity has been a gradual process over the past decade. Between 2011 and 2014, the island’s adult obesity rate remained below 30 percent, but more recent data from 2019 to 2022 showed the rate inching toward the 30–35 percent range.
This year’s report marks the first time Guam has reached the 35 percent threshold, signaling a need for urgent intervention to address the growing public health crisis.
The Guahan Global Foundation, a local organization focused on health and wellness in Guam, is calling on the island’s residents to recognize the severity of this issue. The foundation points out that obesity can lead to numerous health complications, including asthma, stroke and severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses.
In addition, obesity is associated with social and mental health challenges, such as stigma, anxiety and poor body image, which can further affect the well-being of individuals who struggle with weight.
Beyond the physical and mental health implications, the economic burden of obesity is also significant. Medical costs related to obesity are rising, both for individuals and for healthcare systems. In Guam, where healthcare resources are already limited, the increasing obesity rate could place additional strain on the system, making it more difficult to provide care for those with obesity-related conditions.
While many factors contribute to rising obesity rates, including lifestyle choices, access to healthy foods and physical activity, there is a growing recognition that systemic issues also play a role.
On Guam, the high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables, combined with the availability of cheaper, processed foods, has contributed to unhealthy eating habits.
Additionally, access to safe and accessible spaces for physical activity is limited in some areas, making it more difficult for residents to engage in regular exercise.
Health specialists say addressing the obesity crisis in Guam will require a multifaceted approach.
The Guahan Global Foundation has launched initiatives to support individuals looking to improve their health, such as the TLC x TLC program. This program combines strategies from the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s ”Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes” with the General Nutrition Center’s “Total Lean Challenge,” offering residents resources to achieve their weight-loss goals in a healthy, sustainable way.
The CDC’s 2023 report also highlights disparities in obesity rates by race and ethnicity.
On Guam, non-Hispanic white adults have an obesity rate of 25.5 percent, which is lower than the rates in many U.S. states. Similarly, the obesity rate for Asian adults on the island remains below 20 percent. However, there is insufficient data on the indigenous Chamorro population, which previous studies have shown to have higher obesity rates.
A 2008 University of Guam study found that 49 percent of Chamorro adults were classified as obese, compared to 20 percent of Filipinos living on the island.
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