A new report from the NYS Department of Health shows that 6 of the top 15 counties with the highest prevalence of adult obesity fall within Foodlink’s 10-county service area.

The counties of Seneca (44.8), Genesee (38.7), Wyoming (38.7), Livingston (37.5), Wayne (37.4) and Allegany (35.5) all had adult obesity rates north of 35%. Seneca County’s 44.8% rate was the highest in the state — by a wide margin. The next highest counties on the list were Washington (40.2%) and Tioga (40.1%).

The state Department of Health advises that: “Obesity is a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.”

Overall, one quarter (25%) of adults in New York State are considered obese, according to the study.

Rates for the other four counties in Foodlink’s service area were: Ontario (34.3%), Orleans (34.2%), Monroe (32.2%), and Yates (31.7%).