Colorado is Last

We’re number 51 . . . we’re number 51!  It doesn’t sound as impressive as “we’re number 1”, but it basically means the same thing.  In a recent report from the Trust for America’s Health, Colorado ranked number 51 in obesity rankings for all states and the District of Columbia.  I know that looks really good if you stop right there.  And I’m usually the kind of person who looks at things from a positive point of view.  But if you look at the whole report, Colorado has almost doubled its number of obese population in just 15 years!  In 1995, the percentage of obese people in our state was just a little over 10%.  The report that was just released combined data from 2007 – 2009, and the percentage has grown to 19.8%!  Yes, we are the only state in the nation that is still under 20%, and we have almost the slowest rate of growth (DC is number 51 in that category), but it disturbs me that we are growing in that category at all. I would like to challenge Colorado to become the first state to decrease the percentage of obese population.  The report details some suggestions to government and the food industry how to help reduce this epidemic . . . things like protecting the Prevention and Public Health Fund, and implementing the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and the National Physical Activity Plan. Wow.  Those sound great  . . .  and none of us have any responsibility.  Let’s let the President and Congress restore us to health!  No, I don’t think that’s the answer.  Those programs may very well be worthwhile, but they will not reverse the growth of obesity.  We have to be willing to step up as individuals and take responsibility for ourselves and our families.  How much do you move each day?  What are you feeding yourself and your kids?  Are you investing in your health or are you too busy with other things?  We are each responsible for taking the steps necessary to reduce our own body fat.  And there are plenty of fitness professionals to help us figure out how to do just that.