Nutrition Assessment Education Project
Whatcom
County
A Classic Community Nutrition Assessment Experience
Behavioral Risk Factor Survey Results
Whatcom County conducted a Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFSS) among adults in 1996. Data that pertain to nutrition and nutrition related topics were compiled.
Weight
This survey asks for self reported weights and heights. Based on this data 22% of adults in Whatcom County were determined to be overweight (BMI > 27.8 for men and 27.3 for women). In Whatcom County 27 of the men were reported to be overweight and 17% of the women were reported to be overweight. This data can be compared to the Healthy People 2000 goal of decreasing the prevalence of overweight to less than 20% of the population.Over half (55%) of respondents said that they were trying to lose weight,
and 22% of overweight respondents reported that a doctor or other health
professional had given them advice about losing weight.
Cardiovascular Disease
Whatcom County respondents reported taking action to reduce risk from cardiovascular disease. Seventy one percent reported eating few high fat or high cholesterol foods. Fifty eight percent said that they were exercising more.Fruits and Vegetables
Twenty five percent of the respondent reported consuming a least five fruits and vegetables a day. There were gender differences in answers to this question with 31% of women and 18 % of men reporting consumption of least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.Hunger
Five percent of respondents said they had concerns in the past 30 days about having enough food for themselves or their families.Food Safety
Eighty-one percent of respondents said they washed their hands with soap and water after handling meat. back to top |
 Nutrition
Resources |