Lafayette fights against obesity

Lafayette County and sponsors are trying to keep the obesity rates down with local programs for residents.

Source: countyhealthrankings.org

Mississippi has been ranked as the most obese state for the seventh year, but Lafayette County ranks 12^th among the least obese counties.

“Obesity, physical inactivity and many chronic diseases demographically affect low-income minority populations, particularly in the southeast portion of the United States,” said Abigail Gamble, Ole Miss Health and Exercise Science graduate research assistant.“One reason that Lafayette County is one of the lower ranking obese counties in Mississippi is because the population is not predominantly minority, and in comparison to other counties where obesity is more prevalent, Lafayette County residents have a higher median household income and typically have a higher education.”

In 2010, Lafayette County had an adult obesity rate of 31 percent, with heart disease the leading cause of death.

“Health problems associated with obesity are extensive,” said Barbara Collier, University Health Services director. “The ones we see the most are joint problems, especially knees and feet, esophageal reflux, hypertension and trouble walking. Long-term obesity can cause Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, damage to heart and kidneys, and inability to do work.”

A person is classified obese when they have a Body Mass Index higher than 30. BMI measures weight in relation to height, and is closely associated with measures of body fat.

“We did a record review of students over a three-month period, and determined that 30 percent of the students seen during those months had a BMI of 30 or above, with 30 being considered obese,” Collier said.

In 2009, Baptist Memorial Hospital began several programs to help promote wellness and change in Lafayette County.

Its most recent project is “Healthy You, Healthy L.O.U”, a five-month program that begins with a registration of starting weight, body mass index, and blood pressure. There are currently 600 people involved.

“Baptist Memorial Hospital has really taken the lead on the ‘Healthy You, Healthy L.O.U’,” said Kathy Sukanek, United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County executive director. “United Way is a partner in helping with getting the word out and volunteers when needed and in planning the initiative. We also have a focus on health in the work we do currently, and are looking at other programs that would help address obesity in Lafayette County with the goal of increasing healthy choices and physical activity and healthy lifestyles.”

However, not all residents are suffering from obesity. Many live healthy, active lifestyles.

“Exercise is good medicine,” Gamble said. “There are so many benefits to being active beyond weight loss. Once people begin to move and start to feel good, it’s hard to stop. The trouble is getting people off the couch, away from the computer and video games to take the step to get their body moving.”