Obesity Statistics in Colorado

Obesity is a condition characterized by the presence of excess body fat. A person who is obese has a body mass index (BMI) of over 30.

The United States currently ranks as the most obese high-income country in the world.¹ 19 out of 50 U.S. states have obesity rates over 35 percent as of 2022.²

Obesity puts you at risk for multiple chronic conditionsÑsuch as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. But it can be treated and prevented with weight management.

One way to reduce your calorie intake and lose weight is to eat more fruits and vegetables.³ Regular exercise can enhance the effects of a calorie-restricted diet.⁴

For country-level statistics, read our Obesity Statistics in the United States.

Colorado Obesity Statistics Overview 

Here are some key statistics about Obesity in Colorado:

• 21.3% of Colorado adults were obese in 2012
• By 2021, the rate of obesity among ColoradoÕs adult population was 25.1%
• The percentage of adults in Colorado with obesity has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with a 1.8% increase from 2014 to 2021. This trend suggests that obesity is becoming a more prevalent issue in Colorado.

Colorado Eating Habits Statistics

• In 2021, 38.3% of ColoradoÕs adult population reported eating less than one serving of fruit per day
• The percentage of Colorado adults consuming less than 1 serving of fruit daily has fluctuated from 33% in 2017 to 37% in 2019 and 38.3% in 2021. (lower is better)
• 18.8 of adults in Colorado said they ate less than one serving of vegetable daily in 2021
• The percentage of adults in Colorado who consume less than 1 serving of vegetables daily has fluctuated from 17.4% in 2017 to 19.5% in 2019 and 18.8% in 2021. (lower is better)

Colorado Physical Activity Statistics

• As much as 16.7% of Colorado adults said they did not engage in any physical activity in 2021
• In Colorado, the percentage of adults who engage in no physical activity has gone down from 19.5% in 2017 to 16.6% in 2020 and 16.7% in 2021. (lower is better)
• In 2019, 59.3% of adults in Colorado were getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
• The percentage of Colorado adults getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week has gone up from 58.7% in 2015 to 59.3% in 2019. (higher is better)
• It is estimated that 39.3% of ColoradoÕs adults were doing lifts at least twice a week in 2019
• The percentage of adults in Colorado lifting twice per week has gone up from 35.9% in 2013 to 39.3% in 2019. (higher is better)

Graphs

Rate of Obesity in Colorado Adults from 2012 to 2021

Fruit Consumption Among Colorado Adults from 2017 to 2021

Vegetable Consumption Among Colorado Adults from 2017 to 2021

Percentage of Colorado Adults With No Physical Activity from 2017 to 2021

Percentage of Colorado Adults With 150 Minutes of Moderate Physical Activity Per Week from 2013 to 2019

Percentage of Colorado Adults Who Perform Lifts Two Times Weekly from 2013 to 2019

Why Obesity Is A Problem

People who are obeseÑwhen compared to people with normal weightÑhave a higher risk for many serious diseases and health conditions.

Studies show obesity increases your risk for the following:^5,6

• Breathing problems (e.g., sleep apnea)
• Coronary heart disease
• Gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High LDL cholesterol
• Osteoarthritis
• Some types of cancer
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Death

Obesity also reduces your quality of life. YouÕre more likely to experience mental health problems, body pain, and difficulty functioning in your daily life.^7,8,9

Why Eating Fruits & Vegetables Matters

Decreasing your calorie intake is an important step when youÕre trying to lose weight. However, this doesnÕt mean you have to eat less.

Eating more fruits and vegetables allow you to decrease your calorie intake without depriving yourself. This is because they are rich in fiber and water.³

Fruits and vegetables can make you feel full without the calories. They can also provide you with other essential nutrients for maintaining good health.

The recommended dietary intake for American adults is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of fruit per day and 2.5 to 3.5 cups of vegetables per day.^10,11

How Regular Exercise Helps

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week and at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities.¹²

While exercising contributes to good health, exercise alone has very little effect on a personÕs weight.¹³

Studies show you have to exercise for more than the recommended 150 minutes weekly to lose and maintain a healthy weight.¹³ 
If you want to lose weight more efficiently, most experts recommend combining exercise with a calorie-restricted diet and a healthy lifestyle.⁴