More than two-thirds of American states have adult obesity rates of more than 25 percent, according to the 2010 annual report, "F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2010," from the Trust for America's Health website. Adult obesity rates increased in 28 states in 2010. The report authors suggested that a preventive approach is needed. Obesity increases risk of chronic disease. Obesity is also detrimental to the U.S. economy, as obese people are more likely to miss work and have higher health care costs.
Step 1
Organize your community. Talk to business owners and local residents about the need for venues for increased physical activity in your area. Ask local governmental officials to create sidewalks, parks, outdoor sports fields and facilities, walking and biking trails, public pools, community playgrounds, bike lanes and bike racks.
Step 2
Open a supermarket or full-service grocery store in an underserved area. Improving access to healthy, affordable food may increase healthy eating behaviors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Step 3
Lobby for healthier school lunches. Raise money for children who want to participate in after-school sports but who can't afford the equipment or uniforms. Volunteer to prepare healthy snacks for after-school programs.
Step 4
Educate and empower parents and caregivers. If you belong to a neighborhood organization or faith-based group, plan activities to encourage healthy living. If you work in a health care profession, talk to parents about the eating and exercise behaviors of their children.
Step 5
Combat advertising messages. Many advertisements, such as those for soft drinks, packaged snacks and dessert items, encourage individuals to make unhealthy food decisions. Fight these messages by writing letters to the editor about the importance of healthy behaviors. Write to news networks and ask them to restrict advertisements that promote unhealthy behaviors to children.
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