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Is Your Pet Obese?

Posted on by Karen Blakeslee

Pets, like humans, can become obese and is a serious problem for their health. It is estimated that 58% of cats and 54% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight.

Pet diseases from obesity are similar to human diseases. They can get diabetes, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, and kidney disease.

If a pet is 20% over ideal body weight, they are considered obese. This ideal weight varies by animal, age, body type and metabolism. Talk to your veterinarian about how much your pet should be eating.

Here are some signs of obesity to look for:

  • Look at your pet from the top. If the back is broad and flat like a footstool, it is overweight.
  • Can you feel your pet’s ribs?
  • Is your pet’s stomach sagging or tucked in?

Learn more at www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm543882.htm

 

 

Obesity Prevalence in 2015

Posted on by Karen Blakeslee

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity still exists in 20% of the U.S. population.

The highest area of obesity is in the Southern states with 31.2%. The lowest area is in the West with 25.2%. Colorado has the lowest rate by state at 20.2%.

Kansas ranks at 31.0% among non-Hispanic whites; 42.7% among non-Hispanic blacks; and 35.4% among Hispanics.

Learn more about obesity prevalence and see the maps and data at:

www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html

 

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