The epidemic of obesity has been years in the making. Over the past few decades, our lifestyles have changed in ways that make it more difficult to be physically active and to eat healthy.

Think about the barriers you face to being more physically active and eating better.

Do the hours you work leave you with little time for exercise?
Is the convenience and low cost of fast food the reason why you eat it?
Do poorly lit or missing sidewalks make it hard for you to go for a walk?
Do you need to get in your car to run all of your errands?
Do you sit in front of a computer all day at work?
Is it safer for your kids to watch TV than go out and play in the neighborhood?
Would your kids rather play video games or surf the web than be active?

Both individual behavior and the environment affect physical activity and nutrition. To stop the epidemic, we not only need to educate people about physical activity and nutrition and motivate them to make lifestyle changes, we also need to make sure that their environment supports these healthier options. For more information, go to Environmental factors that contribute to obesity.

If you are overweight or obese, this website can help you address your own barriers to eating healthier and being more physically active.

If you are concerned about the obesity epidemic, find out what RI is doing and how you can help.

Did you know?

Walking 1 mile burns about 100 calories. Adding a 1-mile walk daily results in a 10-pound per year weight loss!