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2004 FACT
Obesity Forum Held February 25, 2004
MSU Connect Feature and Online Resources on Childhood Obesity
Other Obesity Resources
2003 FACT Web Cast Obesity Forum
Policy Brief on SOSS Survey Results
State of the State Survey 31 Bulletin
Obesity is a
growing public health problem that has been identified as a national
and statewide epidemic.
- Overweight and obesity affect the health and quality of life for many Michigan residents
- Over the past decade, the level of adult obesity in Michigan adults has increased by 41%
- Michigan now has one of the highest obesity/overweight rates in the country at 60.4%
- The prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled within the last three decades
At Michigan
State University, we have a diverse range of experts who address
obesity through their research and outreach work, including faculty
focused on basic science, prevention, intervention, treatment and
policy.
Statewide
Survey on Obesity
According to MSU’s 26th State of the State Survey (SOSS),
two-thirds of Michigan residents perceive obesity as a personal
issue, even though government agencies, the health community and
education experts have identified it as a growing public health
problem.
Michigan has the eighth highest rate in the U.S. for adult obesity
(22.4%) and is second among the states in being overweight (38.7%).
Survey respondents were more supportive of proactive approaches
to curb obesity, such as investing in recreational facilities and
encouraging physical activity at work, than punitive measures like
taxing fast food or increasing insurance premiums.
Nutrition
Education Aimed at Toddlers
Research has shown that good eating habits established in early
childhood can lead to a lifetime of good health and nutrition. With
a federal grant for $375,000, MSU faculty and Extension staff are
now expanding a research-based nutrition education program to 23
Michigan counties to help parents of toddlers make healthy food
choices.
Project FRESH
The Michigan Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Pilot Program
has been funded by the USDA to encourage seniors to improve their
diets, while helping America’s family farmers increase their
markets for locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Approximately 7,500
Michigan seniors will receive $20 in Project FRESH coupons to be
redeemed at local farmer’s markets.
Jump, Jive and Learn
“Jump, Jive, and Learn,” a health and fitness program,
was created and led by elementary and middle school principals in
Kalkaska to help students apply health promotion and disease prevention
concepts to personal, family, and community health issues. The initiative
is part of a shared vision with the Michigan Department of Education
that also strives for students to use goal setting and decision
making skills to enhance health.
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