Overweight & Obesity Concerns
Overweight and obesity are an epidemic health problem in the U.S. and are now the 2nd leading preventable cause of death.
Overweight and obesity are responsible for an increased risk of nearly 30 medical conditions, as well as reduced mobility. In addition, the social stigma associated with obesity can hamper employment opportunities and community interaction, leading to isolation and depression.
A healthy body weight is easy on joints and bones and avoids unnecessary stress on heart, lungs, liver, kidney's and other organs. You move better, sleep better, and have more energy if you maintain a healthy weight. It also allows for better quality of life and independence, especially as a person ages.
Genetics may play a part in some people's weight challenges, but healthy lifestyle choices that include a healthy diet (high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat and processed food) and at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day will improve quality of life for anyone.
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MOVE Missoula |
An initiative started in 2002 to improve health by promoting physical activity and increasing healthy food choices.
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National recommendations |
The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation
Let's Move - Michelle Obama's campaign
Overweight & Obesity Trends - CDC
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BMI data |
The body mass index (BMI), is a statistical measurement of the relationship of a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is used to estimate a healthy body weight based on a person's height. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight problems within a population, usually whether individuals are underweight, overweight, or obese.
BMI Reports - Missoula 3rd Graders
2010
2009
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) - CDC
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Breastfeeding |
Studies show that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life results in a significant overall reduced risk of overweight, from infancy through adulthood.
Missoula Health Dept - Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding - CDC guidelines
Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of childhood obesity? - CDC
Promotion and Support for Breastfeeding - CDC
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Nutrition |
Good nutrition comes from a diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and is low in processed foods, refined sugars or fats.
Missoula's WIC Nutrition Program
Missoula Food and Agriculture Coalition
Garden City Harvest - community gardens
Benefits of eating fruits and vegetables - CDC
Nutrition & Physical Activity - CDC
Nutrition for Everyone - CDC
Cheap and healthy brown bag lunches for grown-ups - WebMD
There are many other web sites that discuss healthy lunches to take to
work.
Healthy school lunch ideas
There are many other web sites that discuss healthy lunches to take to
school.
Restaurant menu nutrition information can be found by searching the internet for a particular chain restaurant.
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Physical activity |
There are scores of benefits linked to physical activity, including burning calories, weight control, improved mental function and increased energy.
Physical activity - Missoula
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Childhood obesity prevention |
Childhood obesity - CDC
Missoula's Active Kids Coalition
Teens Health - When overweight is a health problem
Local Government Action to Reduce Childhood Obesity - Institute of Medicine
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Schools |
CATCH Program in Missoula - Coordinated Approach To Child Health
School lunch program - USDA
Missoula model school wellness policy
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Worksites |
Worksites can employ several strategies to reduce overweight and obesity and enable employees to maintain a healthy weight. This can produce many benefits for the employer as well as the employee.
Leanworks - CDC
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At home |
Tips for Teens: healthy eating and physical activity - National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Show your children how to live a healthy life - CDC
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Type 2 Diabetes |
One of the challenges of the obesity epidemic is the corresponding dramatic increase in Type 2 diabetes with all its complications and costs. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk.
In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
Nearly 8% of the United States population currently has diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes has many long-term effects including eye damage, kidney damage and circulation problems.
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Other related information |
Montana Nutrition and Physical Activity Program
Benefits of healthy lifestyle choices
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Related Missoula Measures -community health data |
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Contact information |
| Nutrition Services Director: | Mary Pittaway |
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| Phone: | 406-258-4837 |
| Fax: | 406-258-4906 |
| Email: | pittawaym@ho.missoula.mt.us |
| Health Promotion Director: | Greg Oliver |
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| Phone: | 406-258-3686 |
| Fax: | 406-258-3992 |
| Email: | oliverg@ho.missoula.mt.us |
| Eat Smart Coordinator: | Rebecca Morley |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 406-258-3827 |
| Fax: | 406-258-4906 |
| Email: | morelyr@ho.missoula.mt.us |
| Active Missoula Coordinator: | Mary McCourt |
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| Phone: | 406-258-3895 |
| Fax: | 406-258-3992 |
| Email: | mccourtm@ho.missoula.mt.us |
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