Obesity in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix is the capital and most populous city in the state of Arizona, with a population of 1,445,632 according to the most recent census data. It is the fifth most populous city nationwide, the most populous state capital in the United States, and the only state capital with a population of more than one million residents. Phoenix is known for its warm, desert climate, with long, hot summers and short, mild winters. The city's economy is driven by real estate, finance, manufacturing, healthcare and retail. Despite its bustling economy and growing population, Phoenix faces significant health challenges, particularly in the area of obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the adult obesity rate in Phoenix was 31.1% in 2017. This is higher than the national average, indicating a significant public health issue. Obesity is a major risk factor for numerous health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Phoenix is home to several healthcare facilities that provide services to residents struggling with obesity and related health conditions. These include:

• Banner Health: This is a non-profit health system that operates several hospitals in Phoenix, including the Banner University Medical Center Phoenix and the Banner Estrella Medical Center. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including weight loss surgery and nutrition counseling.
• Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic's Phoenix campus provides a wide range of healthcare services, including a specialized Weight Loss and Metabolic Surgery Program.
• St. Luke's Medical Center: This hospital offers a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, providing surgical weight loss options for patients with severe obesity.

In addition to these healthcare facilities, there are also numerous weight loss centers in Phoenix that offer non-surgical approaches to weight loss, including diet and lifestyle modification programs. These include the Red Mountain Weight Loss center and the Medifast Weight Control Centers. Phoenix's struggle with obesity reflects a broader trend across the United States, and the city's healthcare facilities and weight loss centers play a crucial role in addressing this public health challenge.