America knows it has an obesity-out-of-control problem when people ignore their gluttonous eating habits and file lawsuits blaming fast-food restaurants for their seriously overweight conditions.
Except for those with medical conditions that can cause obesity, most overweight Americans simply lack sufficient exercise and make poor food choices.
Trust for America's Health, a nonprofit foundation, has tracked national obesity trends state by state, as well as suggesting how industry and communities can accelerate leaner bodies for Americans.
Idaho ranks 37th in the adult obesity rate—20.9 percent of the state's adults. Throw in overweight adults and the number in Idaho rises to a hefty 58.2 percent, according to the study.
Since obesity leads to serious health problems—even death—and because costs of government and private sector health plans are affected by this growing health problem, they have a right and responsibility to help fight the battle of the bulge.
Schools all over the nation, including those in Blaine County, have started mandating healthier meal options for students. Schools are a key ingredient in creating healthy adults whose budgets will not be plagued by expensive health care.
Even fast-food businesses have gotten the message that good food is good business and have adopted healthier menus.
Some employers are trimming health insurance costs and dealing with absenteeism caused by obesity-related problems by providing no-cost wellness and exercise programs for employees.
They are all good starts. With help like this, Idahoans have a fighting chance of slimming down, getting healthy and saving money.
