The number of Americans, and more specifically Virginians, who are either overweight or obese has reached "epidemic" proportions, according to Virginia Department of Health officials.
Recently released Health Department statistics show in 2001, 57 percent of Virginians were either overweight or obese, a 17 percent jump in the state's overweight population from only a decade earlier, yet still below the national average.
At the national level, nearly 66 percent of American adults and 9 million children are overweight or obese, according to the U.S. Surgeon General's office.
State Health Commissioner Robert B. Stroube, in a statement released Tuesday, attributed the rise in the state's overweight population to overeating and inactivity. He also cautioned Virginians of the serious health risks associated with packing on the pounds.
"People who suffer from overweight and obesity are at serious risk of premature death, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other problems," Stroube said.
Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death nationally. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, only 40 percent of American adults engage in leisure-time physical activity.
Because of the magnitude of the problem, Rachel Kennedy, one of seven state coordinators of the Cardiovascular Health Project, said healthy living must be addressed at multiple levels in the state: in communities, schools and work sites.
Kennedy said the project's statewide efforts encourage localities to promote walking and establish farmers' markets. They also ask school systems to increase physical education time and the availability of low fat foods in lunchrooms.
The expanding waistlines in the Commonwealth have prompted health officials, armed with three federal grants, to promise to promote physical activity and better eating for adults and children.
Monday is the kick off of the nationwide Public Health Week, in which states and localities will strive to educate citizens about healthier living.
University officials say they also are trying to promote greater physical activity and healthier food choices in the University community.
University Director of Fitness Erica Perkins said the Intramural-Recreational Sports office tries hard to cast a wide net with the programs it offers.
The University currently offers classes in aerobics, hip hop dancing, kick boxing and yoga in addition to making available certified personal trainers.
"We try to point out in our advertising that there is a clear connection between health and exercise," Perkins said. "Exercise is preventive medicine."
Over the past year and half, University Dining has focused on incorporating more whole grain products into its menus and has discontinued using butter in cooking, University Dining Executive Chef Brian Murtagh said.
Murtagh said he works closely with the University nutritionist to draw up menus and offer more healthy options like specialty salads, brown rice instead white, and a nutritional food night once a semester.
William Anderson, a clinical psychologist with the Student Health Counseling and Psychology Services, said, in addition to obesity, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia concern University Health administrators.
"Health is a balance," Perkins agreed. "The focus of our program is on health and not just personal appearance."
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