New Health Department Obesity Program to Integrate Diet, Exercise, Public Policymaking

Jul 03, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) Two million dollars will go a long way to fight the obesity epidemic in Utah, says Lynda Blades of the Utah Department of Health. The Department will use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant to start a new program that will encourage exercise, better diets and healthier community planning and policymaking.

"We can't force anybody to do anything, but really what we're trying to do is make the healthy choice the easy choice, and make it convenient for people to walk and to bike," Blades says. "So hopefully that's what we'll be able to accomplish and it is really a whole shift in a cultural norm."

The health department estimates 1 million Utahns are either overweight or obese. While this is a relatively low rate compared to other states, the rate was climbing steadily until recently. Blades credits the recent leveling off of obesity rates to the health department's current obesity programs, Fruits and Veggies-More Matters, Unplug n' Play and UtahWalks. However, she says it will likely take a community-wide effort to bring an end to obesity.

"I think if we could just somehow create a general understanding or a sense of urgency among the general public and the fact that they could do something about it - not just on an individual level but advocating for policies and environments that support healthier behaviors," Blades says.

For example, she says the health department will advocate for sidewalks to make it safe and easy for residents to walk or bicycle in new subdivisions. The health department will also work with school districts to add more nutritious food to cafeteria menus and to reduce the amount of sugary-drinks children consume.

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