Overweight & Obesity Concerns
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| 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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Eat Smart / Move More Program |
A Health Department program started in 2002 to improve health by promoting physical activity and healthier food choices for all Missoula County residents.
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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.
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) - CDC
BMI Reports - Missoula 3rd Graders
2011
2010
2009
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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
Breastfeeding friendly businesses in Missoula
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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 and 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, reduced risk of falling, improved coordination, improved self-confidence, increased energy and improved sense of well-being.
Physical activity - Missoula
Physical Activity & Your Daily Dose - How much physical activity do we need? What are the benefits? What are some easy ways to get it?
We Can! - Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition, a national movement designed to give parents, caregivers, and entire communities a way to help children 8 to 13 years old stay at a healthy weight. National Institute for Health
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Childhood obesity prevention |
Eating and physical activity habits are established in childhood. Parents can be good role models for making healthier choices.
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
Helping your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight - CDC
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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
Overweight/obese patients have higher health care costs - CDC
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At home |
The person who buys groceries for the household has a significant impact on creating and maintaining healthy eating habits.
Tips for Teens: healthy eating and physical activity - National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
Show your children how to live a healthy life - CDC
Ways to be physically active At Home.
Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Choices
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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 and is often associated with overweight or obesity. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk.
Type 2 diabetes has usually been associated with obese adults beginning at age 40. However, since 1980 the incidence of Type 2 diabetes has been increasing in youth, ages 10-19. Obesity in childhood, lack of physical activity, and exposure to diabetes in utero seem to be contributing factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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 that include damage to eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, teeth and gums. These complications can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and limb amputations.
Nearly 8% of the United States population currently has diabetes.
Health information and living with Type 2 Diabetes - from Healthline Networks
A Family Approach to Diabetes Prevention
Small Steps, Big Rewards - a game plan for preventing type 2 diabetes
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Other related information |
Montana Nutrition and Physical Activity Program
Benefits of healthy lifestyle choices
Using The World Around You - to be healthier and more active.
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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: | mpittaway@co.missoula.mt.us |
| Health Promotion Director: | Cindy Hotchkiss |
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| Phone: | 406-258-3686 |
| Fax: | 406-258-3992 |
| Email: | chotchkiss@co.missoula.mt.us |
| Eat Smart Coordinator: | Rebecca Morley |
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| Phone: | 406-258-3827 |
| Fax: | 406-258-4906 |
| Email: | rmorely@co.missoula.mt.us |
| Active Missoula Coordinator: | Mary McCourt |
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| Phone: | 406-258-3895 |
| Fax: | 406-258-3992 |
| Email: | mmccourt@co.missoula.mt.us |
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