WalletHub released its report on 2021’s Most Overweight & Obese States in America and Oklahoma didn’t fare so well.
Obesity costs the American healthcare system $147 billion each year.
WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 31 key points, ranging from share of overweight and obese population to sugary-beverage consumption among adolescents to obesity-related health care costs.
Obesity & Overweight Problem in Oklahoma (1=Fattest; 25=Avg.):
- 6th – % of Obese Adults
- 4th – % of Obese Children
- 5th – % of Physically Inactive Adults
- 8th – % of Adults with High Cholesterol
- 2nd – % of Adults Eating Less than 1 Serving of Fruits/Vegetables per Day
- 9th – % of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
- 8th – % of Adults with Hypertension
Can you eat healthy and inexpensively?
“It is a misperception that ‘eating healthy’ is very expensive (somewhat),” said Martin Binks, Ph.D. – Director, Nutrition & Metabolic Health Initiative (NMHI); Professor, Texas Tech University.
“If you follow the latest marketing jargon like ‘organic’ etc. or shop at the favorite overpriced healthy grocer it is but go to your regular grocery store, look for sales, buy frozen vegetables (cheaper and healthy), etc.
“Also, think of all the places you go to spend money on unhealthy items (high-end coffee shops, restaurants, delivery services … consider how much it would cost you to eat at home instead (and it is almost always healthier and easier to control). Finally, do not buy more than you need (spoilage), reduce portions (especially for weight management but health also (eating less of an unhealthy food item reduces all its unhealthy aspects).”
Why do people fail at dieting?
“The biggest mistake is starting and stopping different diets,” said Professor Krista Varady at The University of Illinois, Chicago.
“When people stop a diet after a few months, they end up gaining all the weight back because they go back to their normal eating habits.
“Find a diet that is pretty close to the way you currently eat. Then try to stick to that regimen long-term. For example, if you do not really eat a lot of carbs, try the keto diet. Or if you can go for a while without snacking, try intermittent fasting. No matter what diet you try, the key is sticking to that new eating pattern long-term to ensure weight management success!”
For the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/fattest-states/16585.