Regional Differences in Physical Activity and Chronic Diseases in the United States

PURPOSE: To examine whether there are regional disparities in physical activity, that might contribute to the high rates of chronic disease in the Southern US.

METHODS: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data were used to determine adult physical activity, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension prevalence in 50 states. American Community Survey (ACS) data were used to determine the percentage of workers who commute on foot or by bicycle. Each state was placed into 1 of 4 regions, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVAs to test for significant differences among regions.

RESULTS:

a = sig. different from Midwest; b = sig. different from Northeast; c= sig. different from West; d= sig. different from South

At the state level, physical inactivity is positively related to rates of obesity (r=0.7440) and diabetes (r = 0.8613). Southern states have the highest rates of physical inactivity, and the highest rates of obesity and diabetes. Active commuting (bike + walk) is inversely related to rates of obesity (r=0.4520) and diabetes (r=0.5752).

CONCLUSION: The South has higher rates of physical inactivity, and lower rates of active commuting, than other regions. In addition, the South has higher rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.