Statistics show that a sharp increase in obesity rates began in the 1980s, yet public health campaigns since have, it seems, not resulted in reductions in people’s waistlines. That is, according to a comprehensive study by BarBend.com, the world's leading strength training resource and news outlet, who identified obesity levels over the past 10 years in counties across The Empire State.

The analysis of data available by County Health Rankings compared each county’s rate of obesity in 2012 to newly releases figures in 2022. The study found that of New York’s 62 counties, just one had dropped its level of obesity: Putnam, which was 2% less obese. Seneca was the only county which had an obesity level that remained the same. The other 60 counties have in fact, got fatter. This includes Suffolk County, whose citizens have become 1% more obese over the past 10 years. 

A closer look at the data…

The top 5 New York counties that have fared best over the past 10 years:

1) Putnam: 2% less obese.

2) Seneca: flat.

3) Kings: 1% more obese.

4) Suffolk: 1% more obese.

5) Broome: 2% more obese.

58) Hamilton: 8% more obese.

59) Lewis: 8% more obese.

60) Cayuga: 9% more obese.

61) Westchester: 9% more obese.

62) Franklin: 11% more obese.