State plagued by obesity

Sixty-one percent of American adults are overweight or obese. As of 2001, Indiana has been ranked the 13th fattest state in the nation. Obesity is not simply a cosmetic problem; it is one of health and of economy. Excess weight can increase the risk of multiple health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, stroke and even some forms of cancer.\n The good news is that losing as little as 10 percent of your current weight can go a long way to aid in the prevention of these health problems. To this end, several organizations in Indiana have joined forces to slim down the 13th fattest state. \n Not only is obesity a health risk, it also costs the average working man or woman money. Related health care costs have increased in our nation as the incidents of obesity have. Direct costs in treating obesity-related health issues totaled $51.6 billion dollars in 1995. And indirect costs of treating these issues totaled 47.5 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Furthermore, there are workdays lost to physician office visits and restricted activity or bed-days lost yearly related to obesity, which total more than $39.3 million yearly.\nThis cost, both monetarily and to the health of our nation, is unacceptable. And as the 13th fattest state in the U.S., Indiana needs to "Lighten Up." Diets and programs for weight loss are fine if you stick to them, and more education about the problems associated with obesity is always beneficial. But for a society that has systematically eliminated bodily movement from its culture, the only way to rescue it is to change lifestyles, which is what The Care Group, LLC, in association with a variety of sponsors, are striving to do with the Lighten Up Indiana program.\nSure, fast, fatty foods and larger portions have played a role in enlarging the waistbands of Indiana. But before that, there was still unhealthy eating. People just spent the rest of their day immersed in some activity, rather than sitting in their car on the way to work, at their desk while at school or work and on their couch to relax at the end of the day.\nStudents on campus have access to a multitude of facilities to aid them in living healthy. The Student Recreational Sports Center and the Health, Physical Education and Recreation center offer a variety of exercise equipment, programs and trainers to help students. Simply walking 1.75 miles in 35 minutes or bicycling 5 miles in 30 minutes will cause noticeable results if done consistently. Just walking to class or riding your bike, rather than driving or taking the bus to class, can also help to reduce weight. \nSo get up off your couches and put down the remote controls. Change even one aspect of your lifestyle, and you're on the road to a healthier existence. Lighten Up, Indiana.