Activity Studies Found Common Features High-Performing Health

¶ … Activity Studies found common features high-performing health departments manage diabetes. These departments include receiving external funding programming, a -management education program recognized American Diabetes Association, partnership opportunities.

While obesity and obesity-related complaints such as Type II diabetes are a problem all over the United States, in my home state of Georgia, the condition has been of particular, growing concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), "64.8% of adults were overweight, with a Body Mass Index of 25 or greater" and "29.6% of adults were obese, with a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater" in the state (Georgia's response to obesity, 2012, CDC). Even more worrisome, amongst adolescents who should be at the most active stage of their lives, "14.8% were overweight (>85th and < 95th percentiles for BMI by age and sex) 12.4% were obese (>95th percentile for BMI by age and sex)" (Georgia's response to obesity, 2012, CDC). These sobering statistics have motivated the Georgia State Health Department to take radical measures including launching public health advertisement campaign entitled "Stop Sugarcoating It, Georgia" intended to "shock families into recognizing that obesity is a problem," given the statistic that 75% of families who are overweight do not identify it as a major issue (Lohr 2012). The advertisements portray overweight children and their parents, with the children asking parents "why am I fat?" (Lohr 2012).

These advertisements, as uncomfortable as they may make some viewers, have had some anecdotal impact, as evidenced by families who have said they have tried to adopt a healthier lifestyle, including eating less sugar, as a whole from viewing the advertisements. The ads focus on the family, not just the individual. However, there are many other components related to obesity in Georgia that are much greater than personal will. Poverty is highly associated with obesity, given that cheaper foods tend to be more processed and calorie-dense, which make poor families more likely to buy them. Exercise is more difficult for families living in low-income urban areas. Also, eating habits (particularly highly sugary foods which are associated with diabetes) can be very ingrained. To reduce obesity requires a focus on creating a less obesegenic environment, making fresh foods more available and changing a culture of eating which focuses on high-sugar, low-nutrition foods and encouraging families to focus on movement, rather than on traditional foods, as a source of pleasure and connection.