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In the Explore Health Topics feature, users can view and compare state values for groups of related measures. Measures are grouped by topic and may be correlated, have similar origins or causes, or provide additional context, such as displaying food insecurity, supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reach, and demographic characteristics like median household income alongside obesity prevalence. This perspective moves the data beyond a single measure or report and can show the connectedness and breadth of population health indicators.

Robert, a veteran living in California, has several health challenges. But his biggest challenge actually may be social isolation.

In the last decade, public health has evolved to emphasize the need to improve social and economic drivers of health in order to achieve health equity and improve population health. The public health sector cannot do this work alone, the support and participation of other public and private sectors and community partners is necessary to make meaningful change.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health is complex and multifaceted; it affects people and populations differently. Risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 is influenced by demographics such as age, race, education and income; chronic conditions and behaviors such as obesity and smoking; and social and economic factors such as housing and poverty.

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of America’s Health Rankings. First published in 1990, America’s Health Rankings Annual Report provides the longest running state-by-state analysis of the nation’s health.

Obesity is a major health concern in the United States, impacting nearly one in three adults. In the 30 years that America’s Health Rankings has been compiling public health information, the prevalence of obesity climbed by more than 170 percent. In 1990, 11.6 percent of American adults were obese. Today, that percentage has risen to 31.3 percent. In 2018 alone, obesity increased by 5 percent, the largest year-over-year increase since 2014.

Over the past thirty years, the prevalence of obesity has grown by 170 percent in the United States. The significant growth in the prevalence of obesity has encouraged America's Health Rankings to take a special look at how we can better understand and address the challenge of obesity.

The America’s Health Rankings team spoke with Dr. Anna Schenck of the University of North Carolina to learn how she uses the resources and data provided at AmericasHealthRankings.org. Dr. Schenck serves as Professor of the Practice and Director of the Public Health Leadership Program at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She is also Chair of the America’s Health Rankings Scientific Advisory Committee.

The America’s Health Rankings team spoke with Dr. David Lakey of the University of Texas System to learn how he uses the resources and data provided at AmericasHealthRankings.org. Dr. Lakey serves a dual role as the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at The University of Texas System and as Senior Advisor to the President and Professor of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler.