Obesity rates around the country are rising drastically, and Wyoming is no different - that’s according to a new study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Around 27.8% of the adult population in Wyoming is obese, nearly double the rate 20 years ago.
Between 2012 and 2013, the state’s obesity rate rose 3.2%. That was one of the biggest spikes in the nation.
Joe Grandpre with the Wyoming Department of Health says the reasons for the state’s growing waistbands are simple.
"Obesity comes from lack of physical activity and poor nutrition, and a lot of us just don’t have the time anymore. The economy being what it is, a lot of people are having to work multiple jobs. So it has to do with having access to those activities as well as having access to nutritious foods," he said.
Those who are obese face an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. But Grandpre says there are several small things you can do to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
"Parking a little bit farther away when you go to the mall. Or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. So it’s not just you have to get fit within a week. It takes time to change your lifestyle but every little bit helps," he said.
Wyoming has the second highest rate of obesity in the Western United States behind Idaho, and has the 30th highest in the nation.
