Report: Indiana's Weight Problem 12th Worst In Nation

The obesity rate among Hoosiers has risen from 20 percent up to 34 percent between 1995 and 2017.

Image by mohamed_hassan, Pixabay

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Hoosiers are getting bigger and it is costing the state’s government, business, and families.

A new report puts the onus on every Hoosier to watch their weight during National Nutrition Month in March.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation released the report titled “The Obesity Epidemic in Marion County and Indiana” last week, detailing the obesity problem in Indiana. It shows that 34 percent of Hoosiers were obese in 2017, up from 20 percent in 1995. The 2017 rate is the 12th highest in the United States.

Two in three Indiana residents are either overweight or obese.

“The rise in obesity is not the result of changes to the gene pool or the failure of individuals. It is a function of changes to the environments that influence healthy behaviors,” said Claire Fiddian-Green, president and CEO of the foundation. “We must address this pressing health challenge in order to thrive as a city and state.”

NEW: We released ‘The Obesity Epidemic in Marion County and Indiana’ today. Obesity has increased dramatically over the past several decades putting Hoosiers' lives at risk & costing the state billions. The report identifies effective solutions. More at https://t.co/BryHsVXbz5 pic.twitter.com/Om6BMQDnN2

— RMFFIndy (@RMFFIndy) March 14, 2019

The report found Indiana’s obesity epidemic translates into high economic costs totaling $8.5 billion annually in lost productivity, economic output, and additional health care costs. About $3.9 billion of that figure is the burden on the private sector.

As they are anywhere else, poor diet and a lack of exercise are the main contributors to Indiana’s obesity problem. The foundation says 89 percent of Indiana adults do not consume the recommended number of fruits and 91 percent do not consume the recommended number of vegetables.

In regards to exercise, 83 percent do not meet the national guideline of at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.

The foundation recommends actions the state can take to begin to trim Indiana’s waistline. Healthcare systems can support healthy weight in patients through a combination of a reduced-calorie diet approach, physical activity recommendations and behavioral therapy.

Employers can provide incentives for employees to live healthier lifestyles.

Indiana’s K-12 schools should promote healthier eating by providing healthier foods and making them more appealing in cafeterias.

The full The Obesity Epidemic in Marion County and Indiana report is available online at www.rmff.org/insights/reports/.