More than two-thirds of Kentucky adults are overweight or obese, and childhood obesity rates have tripled since 1980.
The Partnership for a Fit Kentucky recently released a document entitled "Shaping Kentucky’s Future: Policies to Reduce Obesity."
The document outlines the reasons for the rise in obesity in the state and suggests policies that Kentucky could adopt to decrease obesity in the state.
The Northern Kentucky Regional Partnership for a Fit Kentucky coalition—a diverse group that includes Remke’s Market, small businesses, the Health Department and Northern Kentucky University Office of Wellness—has embraced the document with a resounding "Yes."
"We’ve come together on the shared vision of increasing nutrition and physical activity through policy and environmental change," said Keri Kaeding a member of the Northern Kentucky Partnership for a Fit Kentucky. ‘"Shaping Kentucky’s Future’ gives us a blueprint on action items that we can take to reverse the alarming obesity trends in Kentucky."
Kaeding is the owner of a small fitness based business based in Northern Kentucky. "Fitness is my business, but I am a member of the Partnership because I am personally interested in changing the way we live," Kaeding said.
"Why is it easier to drive to a fast food restaurant at lunch? I want to reverse that. I want it to be easier to walk to a farmer’s market during lunchtime. I want to know that my kids are eating healthy snacks in school. I want to know my husband has an opportunity to exercise at work."
"Shaping Kentucky’s Future" recommends eight policy changes to reduce obesity in Kentucky:
- Increase physical activity and physical education in schools
- Establish a body mass index surveillance system for youth
- Support breastfeeding in the workplace
- Require standards for nutrition and physical activity in licensed child care centers
- Establish complete streets policies
- Require menu labeling at fast food and chain restaurants
- Require healthy food in state agencies
- Provide worksite wellness tax credits to businesses
The report outlines reasons for the recommendations and highlights strategies that other states have implemented to address each of the eight recommended policies.
"We are often slow to address our obesity epidemic because we see it as an matter of individual responsibility—that people make choices about what they eat and how active they are," said Kaeding. "As the report notes, there are many factors in addition to individual choices that have also contributed to the obesity epidemic. These include lack of access to healthy foods in neighborhoods, work places and schools, safe and accessible places to exercise, and opportunities to be physically active during the school and work day."
The complete report can be found on the Partnership for a Fit Kentucky’s Web site.
For more information on the Northern Kentucky Partnership for a Fit Kentucky, contact the Chair of the Committee, Mary Singler at (859) 363-2083.
