Obesity
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's 2011 "F is for Fat" report, Louisiana is the fifth-most-overweight state in the country, and has the fourth-highest rate of childhood obesity. Being overweight or obese leads to many chronic diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. It also takes a toll on mental health and leads to a decreased quality of life.
The Louisiana Council on Obesity Prevention and Management works with children and adults to help them lower their risk of obesity and related diseases by taking small but effective steps to eat right and exercise.
How Can I Lower My Obesity Risk?
Peyton Fisher, Program Manager
Diabetes Prevention and Control Program |
Eating healthy is vital to overcoming obesity. There are a number of different dietary strategies to choose from, all of which can help you reach your goal weight.
Read more>>
Increased physical activity is essential in treating obesity. There
are two ways to boost your phyiscal activity level. Read more>>
Obesity is a serious health condition that can put you at risk of developing many health problems. Read more>>
Adopting healthy eating habits doesn't happen overnight, but learning to decode nutrition labels is a giant step. Read more >>
Childhood Obesity is a serious medical condition in which a child is well above the normal weight for his or her child. Read more>>
Let's Move! Join First Lady Michelle Obama in a nationwide campaign to solve the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation. Read More>>
Burden on Louisiana
- Obesity and overweight have reached epidemic proportions
- Louisiana is ranked fifth-highest in the country in obesity. (2010 Trust for America's Health Report)
- 64.9 percent of Louisiana adults are overweight or obese (2009 CDC BRFSS)
- During the 2008-2009 school year, height and weight taken on approximately 13,000 children (2-19 yrs old) seen in School Based Health Centers in Louisiana revealed 47.54% were overweight or obese (28.98% obese).
- Since 1990, the prevalence of obesity increased by 135 percent.(2009 United Health Foundation)
- Obesity & overweight are associated with increased risk for costly chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers
- Obese adults have a 36 percent higher average annual medical expenditure than adults at normal weight
- The cost of child obesity-associated illness increased from 35 to 127 million in the past 2 decades
What are the consequences of childhood obesity?
Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways. Obese children are more likely to have:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one CVD risk factor, and 39% had two or more.
- Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma.
- Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.
- Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (e.g. heartburn).
- Obese children and adolescents have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as discrimination and poor self-esteem, which can continue into adulthood.
- Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity is associated with a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.If children are overweight, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.
RESOURCES
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Louisiana Council on Obesity Prevention and Management
P.O. Box 3214
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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Pamela Romero
Nutrition Consultant
Phone: 225.342.7901
Fax: 225.342.8312
pamela.romero@la.gov
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Peyton Fisher
Program Manager, Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
Phone: 225.342.2666
Fax: 225.342.5839
peyton.fisher@la.gov
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