The 2014 results for nationwide adult obesity rates were recently released by the State of Obesity non-profit organization, and Georgia came in at 19th in the country with a rate of 30.5%, slightly higher than in 2013. Georgia and the states surrounding it on the list, nearly all in the South, have seen obesity rates rise dramatically in the past 20 years – Georgia’s rate in 1990 was only about 10%, and just over 20% in 2000.
Reasons for this rise are many-fold, ranging from unhealthy food for children in schools and lack of physical activity throughout the day to food deserts, a particularly notable problem in Georgia where nearly 2 million residents live over a mile from a source of fresh produce and other healthy food options. A lack of access to grocery stores leads to a diet comprised mainly of fast food and gas station purchases, which as many a college student can tell you results in a less than healthy lifestyle.
Obesity puts a significant strain on the state’s healthcare system, as diabetes and hypertension, (heart disease) are the two biggest health issues that come up as a result. Georgia ranks 10th as a state in adult diabetes rank, (10.6%) and 12th in adult hypertension rate (35%). Both of those rates have increased significantly since 1990 alongside the adult obesity rank.
When it comes to health issues many Republicans tend to urge personal responsibility over government intervention. After all, it’s up to the individual to decide what to eat and when to exercise. Don’t expect to see any large-soft drink bans in the Peach State any time soon. Indeed in the 2015 legislative session, healthcare related bills didn’t do much to touch the obesity epidemic, focusing rather on issues such as medical marijuana, separating The Division of Aging Services from its parent agency, and revamping child welfare laws.
Here in Georgia we have the SHAPE Program, an initiative started by Governor Nathan Deal which combines the efforts of the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Georgia Department of Education along with the state’s pro sports teams to help children exercise in school. Schools that participate in the program receive training and equipment which is used to track students’ progress as they complete exercises. Ideally, the data collected will be used to improve strategies schools use to encourage more physical activity and decrease obesity in children across the state.
With such high obesity rates in Georgia and neighboring states, any steps lawmakers can take to help schools and parents encourage their children to exercise and eat healthier will go a long way to combatting the ill effects that obesity has on our state.
