Abstract

Understanding Variations in Body Mass Index (BMI) Among VHA Patients
Track: Health and Human Services
Authors: Amy Sadler

In the US, more than one third of adults (35.7%) are considered obese, defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30. The goal of this analysis was to examine obesity rates among Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients and compare to the general US population. BMI was analyzed to identify geographical variation in patients by using spatial pattern analysis tools available in the Spatial Statistics toolbox. More than 4.7 million patient records for FY2011 were aggregated to the county level for both national and regional analyses. Results showed significant variation across the US among patients who are obese in each county, ranging from 12.5% - 90%, and 40% nationally. Geographical data was disseminated to field leaders and advisory groups using ArcGIS Viewer for Flex, enabling users to interact and understand results at all geographies and implement various programs (i.e. MOVE!) to better the health of our nation's veterans.