What is Obesity
Obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat. Although there are genetic and hormonal influences on body weight, the bottom line is that obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you burn through exercise and normal daily activities. Your body stores these excess calories as fat.
Obesity is more than just a cosmetic concern; it increases your risk of diseases and health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.
The Healthy People Wood County Obesity Prevention Team strives to help Wood County residents make healthy lifestyle choices regarding nutrition and physical activity to prevent the onset of obesity. This team works with youth, work sites and the community to provide educational opportunities and advocate for environmental changes that affect healthy lifestyle choices. Together we work to address the obesity epidemic that has plagued our country, state and county.
Schools, businesses, communities and individuals all play a role in creating healthier environments. Here are a few ideas that don’t take much time, but can have a really big impact in supporting health where we live, learn, work and play.
For Healthier Eating
- Contact your local school to get involved with the wellness committee.
- Contact your school food service director about buying locally grown food for the school cafeteria.
- Talk to your school principal and request that only healthy foods be sold at school, school events or for fundraisers.
- Talk to a local restaurant owner about offering healthy, low-fat options on the menu.
- Contact your employer about offering CSA shares or more nutritious snack and cafeteria options.
- Help your church or neighborhood start a community garden.
- Shop at your local farmer’s market.
For More Exercise Options
Work with your school board and local community government to open up school facilities to the community for recreational use during after-school and weekend hours.
- Join a wellness challenge or exercise program with neighbors or co-workers.
- Work with your daycare provider to include physical activity every day and offer healthy food choices.
- Start a walking or gardening club with your friends and family.
- Get outdoors and enjoy the area’s lakes, biking and walking paths.
- Volunteer to organize a walking/running club for children before or after school.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.