BY MICHAEL HUDDLESTON / Staff Writer

A report released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Trust for America’s Health lists the State of Alabama as the third most obese state in the nation. The report, titled “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing America,” has been a central focus in the fight against obesity since the report’s inception five years ago.

Committed to altering this harmful trend occurring in America, the findings released each year attempt to inform Americans not only about the health risks of obesity, but about the economic misfortune associated with it.

Obesity is considered one of the most serious health problems facing Americans today. According to the report, adult obesity rates have doubled since 1980.

Their findings conclude obesity is a contributing factor to more than 20 chronic diseases, including some cancers, arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease. Many obese children are developing diseases that were initially thought only to occur in adults.

As this problem continues, many obese Americans are living shorter, more difficult lives as their bodies break down sooner than usual.

“The whole way we live is conducive to obesity,” said Dr. Robert Keith, professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science. “We must make a conscious effort to change.”

In Alabama, 30.1 percent of adults are clinically obese, up from 29.4 percent the year before. The report has listed Alabama in the top three the last four years.

Many of America’s nutritionists and doctors say awareness is the key to curbing this unhealthy trend.

“If people understand how easily calories are consumed and how hard they are removed, it would go a long way,” said Dr. Barbara J.

Struempler, professor and extension nutritionist in Auburn’s College of Human Sciences. “We need to manage ourselves a little better.”

Obesity is not just inflicting havoc on America’s health, but on America’s economy, as well. According to the study, “more than a quarter of the nation’s health care costs are related to obesity and physical inactivity. Our workforce has become less healthy and productive, and businesses are struggling with the increased costs of health insurance coverage.” The increases in insurance coverage, coupled with recent spikes in energy prices, are putting a strain on American businesses. State employees are being asked to get health screenings, and extension nutritionist in Auburn’s College of Human Sciences. “We need to manage ourselves a little better.”

According to the study, “more than a quarter of the nation’s health care costs are related to obesity and physical inactivity. Our workforce has become less healthy and productive, and businesses are struggling with the increased costs of health insurance coverage.”

Auburn University is involved with the obesity epidemic. In March of this year, Auburn University hosted the first annual Boshell Diabetes Research Day, which brought together experts to present the latest research related to diabetes and the role of obesity in its development.

Auburn University has committed a great deal of time to educating and raising awareness about obesity in Alabama and has consistently participated in various wellness programs.

The assortment of problems stemming from obesity will not be solved overnight, but with awareness through education, there is a good chance Alabamians and the rest of the nation will curb their innate desire to stuff their faces and hopefully start realizing the importance of exercise and a balanced diet.