Kentucky is tipping the scales as the fifth fattest state in America.
The American obesity epidemic is especially bad in Kentucky. According to the Centers for Disease Control, as of 2008, the state ranked number five in obesity in America. Sixty-three percent of adult Kentuckians are obese or overweight, 16 percent are morbidly obese, and 35 percent of children ages two to five are overweight. The Kentucky Department of Health reported in 2004 that the state was, "Raising the most unfit generation in the commonwealth's history."
Definition
A person who weighs 20 to 40 percent more than his healthy weight is considered obese. Over 40 percent is considered morbidly obese, meaning so overweight as to create health problems that may result in death. A tool for measuring obesity is the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is body weight times 703 divided by twice the height in inches. A BMI over 24 is overweight, and over 30 is morbidly obese.
Causes
According to a 2004 report by the University of Kentucky, the state's obesity problem stems from three factors. The typical southern diet that is rich in fried foods and an explosion of readily available, cheap, high-fat foods are first on the list. Second, the study notes the "systematic reduction in physical activity" of both children and adults in Kentucky. Third, the electronic age has created a sedentary, computer-screen lifestyle for everyone.
Risks
Obesity leads to many serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and many cancers, including breast, colon and kidney cancers. It is also a leading cause of back and joint problems, as well as sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, and depression. If you are 40 or more pounds overweight, your chances of developing heart disease nearly double. However, by losing 10 percent of your body weight, you can greatly reduce your risks.
Costs
The personal costs of morbid obesity are chronic health problems and possibly death. Moreover, the costs to the state are great. In 2004, the State of Kentucky estimated health care costs from obesity were $1.6 billion. The future could be worse. The state estimates one third of babies born in Kentucky will develop diabetes in their lifetimes, and they may be the first generation of Kentuckians who will have shorter lifespans than their parents.
Solutions
Though the statistics are daunting, Kentucky is working on a solution through the Partnership for a Fit Kentucky, an alliance of public services and private enterprise which supports the Kentucky Department for Public Health's CDC Obesity Prevention Grant. The coalition is working to promote good nutrition and physically active communities. Its website is a portal to many useful resources for communities, schools and families.
