2008 Woodie Awards
Michigan has sixth highest obesity rate in nation
By: Patricia Emenpour
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Lifeline
Michigan has the sixth highest rate for adult obesity.
The epidemic has held Michigan in the top 10 fattest states for the past 14 years.
Lake Orion sophomore Lauren Elias blames the mitten state's obesity levels - 25.3 percent - on stress.
"During the week, on average, I sleep for about three hours," Elias said. "If I could relax more, I could be more energized to find the motivation to work out."
Healthy Michigan 2010 status reports notes Michigan's need for improvement in healthy lifestyles, weight and overall nutrition.
Assessing the obesity epidemic means a commitment to better oneself, along with support from the medical community.
"Physicians will always mention it to their patients, but this is still not enough," said Dr. Sarah Yonder, a physician at University Health Services. "People have to be more aware."
Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat. The body can carry some extra fat, but beyond a certain point, it can begin to interfere with your health.
A measurement called a body mass index, or BMI, is used to decide whether your weight is dangerous to your health. The BMI measures the body's weight in proportion to height.
"It's pretty critical that student's know their BMI to see where they fall on the scale," Yonder said. "It's hard to give people motivation, but I still try to inform and educate as many as possible."
There is no quick fix for obesity. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in.
"I would like to see more physical activities in the classroom," said Smiths Creek senior Joel Olszewski.
Elias and Olszewski both agree laziness is a serious problem.
"Considering the fact that I live on north campus and the SAC is so far away, my motivation to go workout is less," Elias said.
But just a simple change can make the biggest difference.
"You don't have to run a marathon, just move more," Yonder said. "Whether it is walking across campus or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, it will make an impact in the long run. Reassess what you eat. Even if it's Taco Bell four times a week, there are healthier choices."
The epidemic has held Michigan in the top 10 fattest states for the past 14 years.
Lake Orion sophomore Lauren Elias blames the mitten state's obesity levels - 25.3 percent - on stress.
"During the week, on average, I sleep for about three hours," Elias said. "If I could relax more, I could be more energized to find the motivation to work out."
Healthy Michigan 2010 status reports notes Michigan's need for improvement in healthy lifestyles, weight and overall nutrition.
Assessing the obesity epidemic means a commitment to better oneself, along with support from the medical community.
"Physicians will always mention it to their patients, but this is still not enough," said Dr. Sarah Yonder, a physician at University Health Services. "People have to be more aware."
Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat. The body can carry some extra fat, but beyond a certain point, it can begin to interfere with your health.
A measurement called a body mass index, or BMI, is used to decide whether your weight is dangerous to your health. The BMI measures the body's weight in proportion to height.
"It's pretty critical that student's know their BMI to see where they fall on the scale," Yonder said. "It's hard to give people motivation, but I still try to inform and educate as many as possible."
There is no quick fix for obesity. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in.
"I would like to see more physical activities in the classroom," said Smiths Creek senior Joel Olszewski.
Elias and Olszewski both agree laziness is a serious problem.
"Considering the fact that I live on north campus and the SAC is so far away, my motivation to go workout is less," Elias said.
But just a simple change can make the biggest difference.
"You don't have to run a marathon, just move more," Yonder said. "Whether it is walking across campus or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, it will make an impact in the long run. Reassess what you eat. Even if it's Taco Bell four times a week, there are healthier choices."
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