Nearly 60% Of Nassau Residents Are Overweight Or Obese

58.5% of Nassau residents are overweight or obese, and that Hispanics are less healthy than other ethnicities in the County.

But Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi announced a Department of Health study that found Nassau residents are, on average, healthier than people in the rest of the state and nation.

The purpose of the survey is to identify current and emerging health problems, document and describe the health of the population, and develop public health policies and programs. The survey also provides critical information for targeting local areas of need and for evaluating the effectiveness of public health and health care initiatives.

"Just as individual doctors monitor the vital signs of their patients, the Department of Health is substantially improving its ability to monitor the vital signs of every community in the County," Suozzi said. "This survey provides crucial information for our Healthy Nassau campaign, to make Nassau the healthiest county in the nation by 2020."

As part of his ongoing campaign to promote fitness and health, Suozzi recently announced the "Biggest Loser" Weight-Off, a 10-week weight-loss competition for County workers. The contest's sponsors