An adult at a healthy weight is someone who has a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9. An adult is overweight if their BMI is between 25 and 29.9 and obese if BMI is 30 or higher. Obese and overweight adults are at an increased risk for several chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Medical providers in the Greater Nashua Region have identified obesity as the number one health issue.
We measure obesity rates based on the percentage of adults in Nashua with a BMI of 30 or higher.
What Does this Graph Show Us?
This graph shows that the percent of adults in Nashua who are considered obese has increased from 2009.
What does this Graph Show Us?
The graph at the left is showing us that while Nashua has been successful in reducing the overall obesity rate, we still have work to do given that the percentage of healthy weight people has also decreased. Our programs are working to get people from the obese level to overweight, now they must get into that healthy weight level.
In 2012, at 23.7% Nashua’s obesity rates were slightly lower than the regional average at 26.6%. However as you can see in the graph below, Nashua’s combined obesity and overweight rates combined were actually slightly higher than both the region and the state. In other words, progressing is being made, but we still have work to do.
The 5-2-1-0 Healthy Community Guidelines help create healthy habits for children.
Actions to Reduce Obesity Rates
Nashua is committed to supporting a healthy lifestyle for all community members. One way we are doing that is through our effort to become a more walkable community, with walking paths throughout Nashua.
Regular outdoor activity is key to a healthy lifestyle. Check out the map of Nashua’s walking trails and recreational areas to promote your healthy life.
What You Can Do!
Follow the 5-2-1-0 Healthy NH Guidelines
Prescribe the Y!
Get your child engaged in healthy eating and lifestyle choices through the Prescribe the Y program.More Information
Learn Time vs. Screen Time
Worry your kids are in front of the TV or computer too much? Now that the weather is nice it’s easy to get the CDC’s recommended 1 hour of physical activity a day. Check out their Lean Time vs. Screen Time infographic.
The Benefits of Walking
No time or stamina for a run or hike outside? Even simple things like walking when running errands and taking the stairs not the elevator can be good for you. Get out and about for at least 30 minutes!More Information
Nashua will be working with community stakeholders throughout 2018 to develop a comprehensive resilience initiative with the main purpose being to identify acute shocks and chronic stressors impacting our City, now and in the future. We encourage everyone in our community to take part.Full Article
For over a decade, Lyle Reed Brook, a tributary to the Nashua River had been listed as a water body with impaired water quality by the State of New Hampshire. After being tested again in 2016, Lyle Reed Brook is now delisted and found to be fully supporting of aquatic life for both dissolved oxygen and pH.Full Article
- Boston Herald
- Nashua Telegraph