Relationships between Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases in Four Southern States and Colorado

Obesity is among the leading causes of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity. In the present study, the associations between the increase in body mass index (BMI) and the increase rates of CVD and high blood pressure (HBP) in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Colorado are examined using regression analysis and by means of neural network models for obesity and HBP. Data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were obtained and analyzed for obesity rates, percent of myocardial infarction, stroke, and HBP from 2005-2009. Results of this study showed a low association between obesity and myocardial infarction rates (R-2=0.067); a moderate association with stroke rates (R-2=0.462); and a strong association with HBP rates (R-2=0.811). The highest rates of obesity, CVD, and HBP were found in Mississippi, while Colorado had the lowest rates. Maintaining healthy weight helps reduce the risks of developing CVD.