Epidemic proportions Obesity a hefty problem for Maine's adults, kids

Tuesday, September 6, 2005

National and state media recently highlighted the continued expansion of the obesity epidemic, noting Maine's adult obesity rates to be the worst in New England. Indeed, in Maine, as well as across the country, almost two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese.

The effect on our youth is even more concerning. More than one-third of Maine kindergartners are at an unhealthy weight. As a result, our youth might be the first generation in America to not live as long as its parents.

More adults and youth are suffering from obesity-associated illnesses or diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke. Every facet of our society must act now to reverse these alarming trends and reduce Maine's high rates of costly, often-preventable chronic illnesses.

Part of the Dirigo Health Initiative is the creation of a State Health Plan to give us a road map of how we can become the healthiest state in the nation. The continued expansion of this epidemic points out the need for such a plan.

Why are we faced with an obesity epidemic?

It is important to understand this epidemic was a century in the making. One-hundred years ago, our Maine ancestors farmed, lumbered and performed daily routines that required strenuous physical labor. Communities were built for walking. Milk, water, fish and fresh produce graced kitchen tables.

Now, most of us sit for most or almost all of our waking hours. Communities are built for cars. High-calorie foods and sweetened beverages are readily available, and often at lower cost than healthier options. Obesity has thus been built into the fabric of our society.

What is being done to reverse this epidemic?

We are fortunate in Maine to be on the cutting edge of preventing obesity, with a wide variety of public and private organizations and people working together to address the epidemic. For instance, the state is one the few to spend any of our tobacco settlement money on efforts to treat, reduce and prevent obesity. Some of these dollars fund the Healthy Maine Partnerships, which address tobacco, physical inactivity and poor nutrition in communities and schools.

As a result of these Healthy Maine Partnerships, faith-based communities and social groups are making sure they offer healthy choices when serving food and beverages; employers are assuring access to work break walking groups, healthy food choices and work-site weight loss programs; planning boards are improving the walkability of communities; and schools are helping to assure that our youth are eating better and are physically active.

The Maine Center for Public Health and the Harvard School of Public Health have joined hands to form the Maine-Harvard Prevention Research Center to address issues related to youth obesity. As part of the initiative, pediatricians and other primary-care providers have stepped forward, forming the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative. Together, they are learning from national experts and one another how to help youth and their families live healthier lifestyles.

A number of state agencies, including the departments of Agriculture, Education, Transportation and Health and Human Services provide a variety of resources for these efforts and others. The Maine Legislature and Gov. John E. Baldacci recently enacted legislation that sets forth nutrition standards for items sold in school vending machines.

What can each of us do?

Since about two-thirds of us find it an uphill climb to get to a healthy weight and then maintain it, it is important we assure that all Mainers have better access to healthy food choices and physical activity. For instance, do our faith communities and social organizations serve healthy foods and beverages? Do our work sites support healthy food choices and breaks for physical activity? Are our planning boards making walkability a priority? Do our schools help assure our youth are physically active and eating healthily?

And, finally, are we all trying to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days, eating at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily and reducing our portions of high-calorie foods and sweetened beverages?

It will take time to rebuild health into our society. However, with the health of our entire society at stake, we do not have 100 years to reverse this epidemic. If you have ideas to share on how to make Maine the healthiest state in the nation, please join the Governor's Office Health Care Listening Tour, scheduled for Sept. 8-15 (www.maine.gov/governor/baldacci/healthpolicy/news/8_18_05.htm).

And, if you want to help your community become healthier, team up with your local Healthy Maine Partnership (http://www.healthymainepartnerships.org/).

Maine's people, families, communities, employers, health-care providers and government have a long track record of pulling together and making the state healthier, from dramatically reducing teen pregnancy and infant mortality to halving youth smoking.

With each of us doing our part to address obesity, Maine's people should improve their chances of enjoying longer, healthier lives.

Dr. Dora Anne Mills is the public health director for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Lynne Rothney-Kozlak is president and chief executive officer of the Maine Center for Public Health in Augusta.