MONTANA PUBLIC HEALTH IN ACTION Nutrition and Physical Activity
Public Health and Safety Division
Why This Program Is Important
Overweight and obesity are defined by a measurement called the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI expresses the relationship (or ratio) of weight-to-height and is more highly correlated with body fat than any other indicator of height and weight. Individuals with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while individuals with a BMI of 30 or more are considered obese. Adults (aged 18 years or older) who have a BMI of 25 or more are considered at risk for premature death and disability as a consequence of overweight and obesity. These health risks increase even more as the severity of an individual's obesity increases.1 Obesity is of epidemic proportions in the United States and the situation is getting worse. It is estimated that 64% of American adults are overweight or obese. For most individuals, these conditions can be prevented or reversed through physical exercise and proper diet. In Montana: Obesity rates for adult Montanans increased from 9% in 1990 to 19% in 2001.
Montana American Indians
Percent
Prevalence of obesity* among adults in Montana, Montana American Indians and in the U.S., 1990-2001.
40 30 20 10 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
are 1.5 times more likely to be obese than the general US population (34% in 1999 and 36% in 2001).
Physical inactivity among
Year
Montana
US
Montana American Indians
*BMI > 30.0 kg/m2
Montana adults increased from 18% in 1990 to 22% in 2001. of becoming overweight.
In 2001, 17% of Montana high school youth (9th through 12th grades) were overweight or at risk In 2003, 44% of Montana high school youth did not participate in physical education classes. Participation in vigorous physical activity among Montana adolescents (9th through 12th grades)
decreased from 68% in 1993 to 62% in 2003.
1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
What Has Been Accomplished
The Obesity Program promotes the following: o Healthy eating that follows national dietary guidance policies. o Moderate and vigorous physical activity from childhood through adolescence into adulthood. o Elimination of disparities in diet, physical activity and overweight among disadvantaged population groups. o Increased access to healthy foods and opportunities for every age and population group to remain physically active. o Healthy weight among adults and children.
The Obesity Prevention Program has piloted the Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH) curriculum in seven Montana elementary schools -- two of those in American Indian communities. CATCH promotes healthy behaviors by encouraging moderate to vigorous physical activity, healthy eating habits such as a low-fat and low-sodium diet, and no smoking. Provided resources for Montana elementary schools to participate in “Walk to School Day," an international event that encourages children to walk or bike to and from school. Coalitions have been formed in nine Montana communities to promote healthy weight.
Next Steps
Continue to provide communities with technical assistance in implementing local-level
interventions.
Advocate for policies and environments within schools, worksites, communities, and health
care settings to promote positive nutrition and physical activity behaviors.
For more information, contact:
CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU Nutrition and Physical Activity Program 406-444-7324