Obesity Prevention

Obesity in Oklahoma

ALARMING STATISTICS

By 2008, three in every 10 adult Oklahomans will be obese        

Oklahoma ranks 45th in the nation in the overall health of its citizens. Many of the diseases that cause early, preventable deaths are obesity-related (heart disease, stroke, diabetes).

Oklahoma is the only state whose death rate has been increasing since 1990, and the state ranks 46th in funding for public health and prevention programs.

One out of two adult Oklahomans is overweight, one out of five is obese. (Source: Chronic Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Winter 2002. Based on results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.)

One third of U.S. kids are overweight, obese or at risk.

In the U.S., obesity in kids has doubled in the last 20 years. In adolescents, it has tripled. (Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest, September 2003)

Preventing Childhood Obesity- Local Resources

Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition:  http://www.integrislifespan.com/fitkids.html

The mission of the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition is to make a major contribution to the health and well-being of all Oklahomans, including youth and families, through a comprehensive program of activites including education, collaboration and advocacy

WHAT IS OBESITY?

• To most people, the term "obesity" means to be very overweight. Health professionals define "overweight" as an excess amount of body weight that includes muscle, bone, fat, and water. "Obesity" specifically refers to an excess amount of body fat. Some people, such as bodybuilders or other athletes with a lot of muscle, can be overweight without being obese.