Clark County has a higher percentage of residents battling obesity and diabetes than the rest of the state and nation, according to a recent assessment.

Nearly 77 percent of Clark County residents in the study struggle with being overweight or obese, the 2012 study conducted by Wright State University researchers showed. That’s compared to nearly 66 percent of residents statewide.

And 13.5 percent of local residents in the study have diabetes, compared to 10 percent of Ohioans.

The national median for those who are overweight or obese is 64.5 percent and for diabetes is 8.7 percent.

The results of the study provided a glimpse into the prevalence of diseases in the area and identified priorities for health care providers who will soon identify an action plan to combat issues such as diabetes and obesity.

“It will be one of our top five focus areas. I mean you can’t ignore that. Those are two things that are clear warning lights on your dashboard,” Clark County Health Commissioner Charles Patterson said.

“Something bad is going to happen if you ignore the warning light,” he said. “If we ignore them we’re doing a disservice to the community.”

Researchers surveyed 1,053 local adults and assessed access to health care, drug and alcohol use, and the prevalence of cancer, heart disease, mental health needs, sexually transmitted diseases and other illnesses. The assessment could help area health care providers receive state and national money to develop programs and other services to address health concerns.

The study was paid for with a $16,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Health.

The results of the survey were presented to health care and social services providers Thursday at the Clark County Combined Health District. They will reconvene in April to discuss additional data and community needs.

Results of the study presented Thursday showed a higher percentage of Clark County residents in the survey without medical coverage — 15.7 percent — compared to 12.8 percent statewide.

Clark County also has a higher percentage of residents who have or are at risk of heart disease and stroke than the rest of the state.

However, more adults 65 and older in the area — 71.4 percent — said they have had a flu shot, compared to statewide numbers that show 64.8 percent statewide who said they had a flu shot, the study showed.

Clark County also scored lower than the rest of the state on binge drinking, or consuming five or more drinks on one occasion.

Marianne Potina, vice president of mission integration at Community Mercy Health Partners, said the meeting helped area health care providers assess the overall needs in the community.

The local numbers for diabetes and obesity in Clark County were “statistically significant,” Potina said.

Area health care providers will need to work together to combat the issues uncovered in the survey, she said.

“The partnering is what will get us there,” Potina said.

Judy Potts, care director at United Senior Services, also urged providers to look closely at the needs of the elderly, especially those battling chronic pain.

The fight on prescription drug abuse has prevented many elderly pain patients from getting the medication they need, Potts said.

She said she knows of a local woman who committed suicide because she didn’t want to be in pain.

“We’re seeing a significant amount of elderly people who can’t do things because they’re in so much pain,” Potts said.