It is no surprise that the Hoosier state seems to be losing its battle with the bulges.
But a recent study by Ball State University in Muncie provides some sobering statistics on the subject.
The study showed that more than 66 percent of the state’s adult population is considered overweight or obese, about 2.5 percent higher than the national average.
There are a variety of reasons, ranging from a more sedentary lifestyle to larger fast-food portions. The simple fact is we are eating too much for the lives we are living, and it is taking a toll.
“Obesity poses a major risk for serious diet-related chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and strokes, as well as certain forms of cancer,” said Kerry Anne McGeary of Ball State’s Global Health Institute.
In addition to the obvious health risks, it also translates into a major economic cost. In 2008, obesity cost the United States an estimated $147 billion dollars.
One of the major factors in skyrocketing health costs are lifestyle issues, including obesity. We can complain about the high cost of health care all we want, but to see one of the major culprits for these issues, we only have to look into the mirror. We are making decisions to live unhealthy lifestyles and feel entitled to have insurance companies and taxpayers pick up the tab for our costly decisions.
The study called for some government action — such as recent changes to school lunch menus to include more fruits and vegetables. There are other things government can do, such as provide educational programs and information on health and nutrition — especially for low-income residents who may have limited access to healthier food options. A good example is inshapeindiana.org.
But the reality is the major changes will have to come through our own efforts.
In one sense it is very simple for most people — taking in more calories than we burn up will make us fatter, taking in less calories than we burn up will make us lose weight.
But it is also complicated.
Food is not like cigarettes. We can stop smoking, but we can’t stop eating.
There are also economic factors that come into play. Lower-income residents may not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, so they rely on processed foods. They may also lack the knowledge to make the right choices.
Then there are social factors, ranging from feelings of self-worth to all the food-related activities that go on in our lives.
But in the end, it is up to us. We need to make the right choices.
Eat better, exercise more, lose weight, gain better health, live longer, have better lives.