How Can We Reduce the Rising Obesity Rate in Georgia?

The state currently has an adult obesity rate of 28 percent, ranking it 25th among all states, according to the most recent data from the CDC.

The number of obese adults in Georgia is on course to increase dramatically over the next 20 years, according to a report being released Tuesday, Sept. 18. Georgia currently has an adult obesity rate of 28 percent, ranking it 25th among all states, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released those rankings earlier this summer, and they are also included in Tuesday's report. But there is good news – the analysis also shows what will happen if Georgia is able to reduce the average body mass index of its residents by just 5 percent by 2030: a dramatic decrease in obesity-related diseases and healthcare …

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'Y' Life

YMCA Teaches Kids Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Children attending Spring Break Camp at the Peachtree Corners facility learn the importance of developing healthy eating habits.

Just because a drink is orange, does that mean it’s orange juice? Kids in Spring Break Camp at Fowler YMCA were entertained by perky veggie and fruit characters from Kaiser Permanente's Educational Theatre group.  The interactive show made learning about the virtues of healthy eating and the benefits of physical activity fun!   "We know kids learn best when they are engaged and live theater is a great tool to inspire them to develop lifelong healthy habits," said Keisha Smith, childcare coordinator.   Childhood obesity rates have soared over the last few decades. According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.   Since 1980, obesity prevalence …

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