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. 2009 Feb;99(2):308-12.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.138750. Epub 2008 Dec 4.

Use of density-equalizing cartograms to visualize trends and disparities in state-specific prevalence of obesity: 1996-2006

Brian Houle  1 , James Holt, Cathleen Gillespie, David S Freedman, Michele Reyes
Affiliations

Use of density-equalizing cartograms to visualize trends and disparities in state-specific prevalence of obesity: 1996-2006

Brian Houle et al. Am J Public Health. 2009 Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: We used cartograms to visually communicate the state-specific prevalence of obesity and its association with socioeconomic variables over time to benefit and inform decisions by national health policymakers who address geographic and social inequities in health.

Methods: We generated density-equalizing maps, known as cartograms (in which geographic regions are sized in proportion to some variable), that illustrate indicators of population and educational attainment. We also provide an innovative presentation of the obesity choropleth map (which presents values for areas by shading).

Results: The maps depict the absolute burden of obesity, the inverse association between obesity and education, and geographic patterns in the prevalence of obesity over time.

Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity in the United States continues to increase. These cartograms can help stakeholders interpret surveillance data and their relation to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics to inform decisions.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Percentage of obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) adults 18 years or older, by state in a (a) Choropleth map and (b) population cartogram: 2006. Note. State sizes are proportional to state population estimate for 2006.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Cartogram of 2006 state-specific percentage of adults 25 years or older with at least an undergraduate degree, with shaded depiction of the percentage of obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) adults 18 years or older.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
State-specific percentage of adults 18 years or older who were obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) in 1996 and the 10-year percentage point change from 1996 to 2006. Note. Change from 1996 to 2006 was directly standardized to the gender, age, and race distribution of the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System population.
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