29%

WHERE DO WE STAND?

An estimated 28.5% of adults in Travis County were obese in 2022 compared to 29.4% in 2018. The highest obesity rates for Travis County (29%) and the Austin MSA (31%) were reported in 2018. Travis County’s obesity rate is still lower the state of Texas’ and the nation’s obesity rates.

A CLOSER LOOK

Hispanic adults in Travis County are more likely to be obese than people of other races and ethnicities. In 2022, Hispanic residents of Travis County reported obesity at a rate of 39.5%, while non-Hispanic White residents reported a rate of 27.2%. Obesity data were not available for Black Travis County residents for 2022; in 2021, the obesity rate for Black Travis County residents was 58.5%.

A report by Central Health highlights several health disparities for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension–diseases that are more prevalent among people who are overweight or obese. Obesity data are calculated from a sample of the population. Estimates with a Relative Standard Error greater than 30% or estimates where the sample size was less than 50 were not included.

OBESITY BY SEX

Obesity varies in prevalence among males and females.  Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System show that approximately 32% of females and 26% of males in Travis County were obese in 2022.

OBESITY BY  INCOME

Obesity is more prevalent among people with low incomes.  Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System show that approximately 33% of people earning less than $25,000 a year in Travis County were obese in 2022.

OBESITY BY AGE GROUP

Obesity is more prevalent among people between the ages of 30 to 44 years old.  Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System show that approximately 35% of people between the ages of 30 and 44, 33% of people between 45 and 64 years of age, and 27% of people above age 65, and 15.2% were obese in Travis County in 2022.

OBESITY BY  EMPLOYMENT STATUS

In 2022, approximately 30% of employed Travis County residents reported experiencing obesity, compared to 27% of unemployed individuals. The percentage of unemployed individuals who are obese increased from 2016 (18%).

OBESITY BY EDUCATION LEVEL

Travis County residents who are high school graduates but have not attained a postsecondary credential report higher levels of obesity (32%) than Travis County residents with some college education(27%). Travis County Adults who are college graduates saw an increase in this metric for 2022, to 27%.

OBESITY BY HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

For the first time since this indicator has data available, obesity is more prevalent among people who have health care coverage.  Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System show that approximately 29% of people with health care coverage in Travis County were obese, compared to 27% of people without health care coverage in Travis County, in 2022.

OBESITY BY DISABILITY STATUS

In 2022, 31% of Travis County residents who have a disability reported experiencing obesity, compared with approximately 28% of Travis County residents who do not report a disability. Over the past 5 years in Travis County, the obesity rate increased for people without a disability and decreased for residents with a disability.

OBESITY BY SEXUAL ORIENTATION

In 2022, obesity was more prevalent among people who identify as straight. That year, approximately 23% of Travis County Residents who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual reported experiencing obesity, compared to approximately 30% of Travis County residents who identify as straight.

OBESITY BY MARITAL STATUS

In 2022, Travis County residents who are married reported higher levels of obesity (30%) than Travis County residents who are not married (27%).