COLUMBUS, OH (WLIO) - Ohio Department of Health is addressing Ohio’s rank as the 7th highest state in the nation for adult obesity rates.
According to the CDC, 38% of Ohioans have a BMI over 30 and are considered obese. The national average rate in the country is 35%. The Ohio Department of Health Director, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, said in a press conference last week that only 1 in 7 adults are eating enough fruit, and less than 1 in 10 adults are eating enough vegetables. Governor DeWine and the health department are currently working to improve health in the state through their Creating Healthy Communities Program.
"The focus is on promoting healthy eating and active living. This can take on many forms, from supporting the creation of community gardens or farmers markets to renovating an obsolete playground or building new sidewalks and bike trails," Dr. Vanderhoff explained.
So far, the Creating Health Communities Program has funded grants in 22 counties, including Allen County.
