Oklahoma’s obesity ranking has rapidly jumped to the top of the charts in less than twenty years.
The entire nation has seen an increase in obesity* rates over the past few decades, and Oklahoma’s obesity ranking has rapidly jumped from the bottom to the top of the charts in less than twenty years.
More than ever, Oklahomans tend to rely on cars, trucks, and buses for their commute to and from work and school. Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to our weight gain, and many Oklahomans also lack access to low-priced, healthy food choices.
*A person is classified as obese if his or her BMI is equal to or exceeding 30.
In 2011, 31.1 percent of adults in Oklahoma were obese. Oklahoma was the 7th most obese state in the country as of 2011.
Oklahoma currently has a combined obesity and overweight rate of 67.1 percent.
Overweight residents cost the state more money for healthcare each year.
Oklahoma spent an estimated $1,721,000 on health care directly related to obesity in 2009.
In 1998, national medical costs associated with overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and obese people accounted for 9.1 percent of the total national medical expenditures, meaning almost $92.6 billion in costs. The rate of overweight and obese residents has continued to climb since then, so the current cost is likely even more significant.
Many grocery stores and restaurants are pushing healthy food options, and workplaces across the state are offering employees incentives for exercising regularly.
In order to bring down the Oklahoma obesity rate for both adults and children, we need to show Oklahomans how they can implement small, effective changes in their day-to-day lives. It’s also important that overweight men and women have plenty of support and are able to talk to peers about their weight loss journey.
Obesity can lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Fortunately, it can often be reversed by basic changes to diet and lifestyle.
A diet rich in fresh, whole foods is the top priority for achieving and maintaining weight loss.
Regular exercise – anything from leisurely walks to recreational sports teams – will give you more energy and help your body to start burning fat.
It’s important to have plenty of support and available resources on your weight loss journey. Our weight loss seminars combine education and community to give you a safe, supportive space to learn and grow. You can also join a local support group.
If you have implemented a healthy diet and have been exercising regularly but have not lost much weight, you might be eligible for a surgical weight loss procedure.
These procedures are only open to obese men and women who are not able to lose weight any other way, and they have been proven very effective when accompanied by a healthy diet and an adequate amount of regular exercise.
