Obesity Prevention

We have many programs and services targeted to lowering obesity rates in our service area. Obesity is among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems in Nebraska and throughout the U.S.   It is for this reason that reducing obesity is a top priority for our health department.

Between January and February of 2016, area residents were invited to take part in a survey to identify their health risks and concerns. The results of that survey showed that 39.4% of ELVPHD service area residents were obese (the National average is also at 33.9% according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Service’s Healthy People 2020 data 2005-2008). This is an increase from the previous survey, where only 33.9% were obese. However, other surveys show no significant change in the obesity rates for the area. The Healthy People 2020 target is to reduce the proportion of Americans who are obese from 33.9% to 30.5% (a 10% reduction by 2020). 

In addition to healthy weight statistics, 71% of our residents also reported eating less than the recommended servings of fruit and 11.5% reported eating no vegetables on an average day. Also, 72% did not exercise for at least 20-30 minutes more than 3 times per week (2016 CHA). To improve these statistics, Obesity was named Priority 1 on ELVPHD’s Community Health Improvement Plan and the following goals were created:

1.     Increase fruit and vegetable consumption;

2.     Increase physical activity.

Some of ELVPHD’s activities to improve obesity rates include:  1) working with businesses to choose healthier snack and vending options, 2) presenting to schools on nutrition, activity and overall heart health, and 3) enhance community planning and design practices through the support for the development of parks and walking trails, etc. To truly make a difference in obesity rates in the area, we often partner with businesses and groups to reach more people and bring about change within workplaces, schools and organizations.  Please contact us if you would like to learn more about the programs and services available.

Walking is a simple way to move towards a healthier lifestyle.  To help make it easier, ELVPHD mapped out some common routes in most of the towns in our service area.  These maps show the route, distance and information about the approximate completion time for each route.  Click on your community below to check out the map for your town!