Michigan is consistently ranked among the top 10 to 15 most obese states in the U.S. Three out of every 10 adults in Michigan are obese (35.2%), while 34.6% are overweight (BRFSS 2020).
Obesity directly impacts a person's overall health and is the root cause of many chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It also takes a toll financially.
The good news is we can do something about it, each one of us.
At the state level, the Michigan Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (NPAO) Program works to prevent and control obesity and other chronic diseases through healthful eating and physical activity, and emphasizes reducing health disparities related to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geography, gender, age, disability, and other factors that impact an individual's ability to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The long-term success of the program will rest on its ability to leverage resources and coordinate interventions with multiple partners to address its six principle targets:
At the individual level, practicing four key healthy behaviors and tracking four key health measures can assist in improving our quality of life and reduce health costs.
Practice four key healthy behaviors:
Be aware of four key health measures that are closely tied to several chronic diseases:
To receive individual support in making the healthy choice, you can visit MI Healthier Tomorrow to make a pledge for health and receive ongoing, monthly email support to help you on your journey to live a healthier lifestyle, and then visit us on Facebook for even more tips.
Remember: Even the littlest changes to your routine can make a big impact on your lifestyle.
We're on a mission to make Michigan healthier. To educate every adult about healthy habits and motivate them to make positive change. The change we're talking about doesn't start big, or with a complete overhaul of your current routine. Instead, it focuses on small adjustments that will benefit you today, tomorrow and in the future.
That's what the MI Healthier Tomorrow Pledge is about - giving yourself the attention you deserve and improving your wellbeing for tomorrow, today.
So, are you with us? Will you take the pledge and join the growing community of residents committed to a healthier lifestyle? Today is the day to start.
