Michigan has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation. According to 2019 statistics from the State of Childhood Obesity, 36% of adults and 17% of youth 10 to 17 years old are obese. Obesity is more serious than being overweight. Obesity negatively affects a person’s overall health and is the cause of many chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, and heart disease. It also takes a toll emotionally and financially.
Healthy behaviors can combat obesity, such as eating fresher foods, doing more physical activity, seeing a doctor every year, and not using tobacco products. Four health measures to keep in check are body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
