What is the Louisiana Council on Obesity Prevention and Management?

The Louisiana Council on Obesity Prevention and Management (LA Obesity Council) was created by state legislation in 1999 to address the problem of childhood and adult obesity.  Council members from public and private sector organizations work in partnership to strengthen the alignment, development and implementation of programs, projects and research to respond to the public health challenge of obesity.

MISSION:  To promote an environment that supports opportunities for all Louisiana residents to make healthy food choices and to be physically active in order to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

VISION:  We envision a Louisiana where all people will lead a responsible, healthy life that prevents or reduces obesity and related health conditions.

Burden on Louisiana

•   Obesity and overweight have reached epidemic proportions
•  Louisiana has the 8th highest rate of adult obesity and 7th highest rate of overweight and obese youths (ages 10-17)
•  64% of Louisiana adults are overweight or obese
•  36% of Louisiana children or overweight or obese
• Since 1990, obesity rate increased from 12.3% to 30.7% of the population, contributing to the United Health Foundation ranking of Louisiana as 50th for 2008
• 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% 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
• Children are being diagnosed with adult diseases

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