Although overweight and obesity are caused by many factors, one of the major contributors to weight gain is lack of physical activity. Low levels of physical activity are associated with an increased risk of obesity and related chronic diseases. Burning calories through physical activity helps balance caloric intake to prevent weight gain, promote weight loss, and maintain a healthy weight.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults accumulate 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Yet, almost half of Rhode Islanders do not meet these minimum recommendations (BRFSS, 2003).

Rhode Island’s low income and minority populations seem to get even less physical activity. Among low income Rhode Islanders, 63% do not meet these recommendations compared to 43% of their higher income counterparts (BRFSS, 2003). 67% of RI’s Hispanic population does not meet these recommendations compared to 48% of the white population (BRFSS, 2003).

This trend is not specific to adults. Rhode Island’s youth are also not getting enough activity. CDC recommends that adolescents accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity daily. One third of RI high school students did not participate in even 30 minutes of physical activity (YRBS, 2003). Again, the Hispanic population is affected disproportionately with 45% not getting even 30 minutes compared to 35% of white youth not getting 30 minutes (2003 YRBS).

These disparities may be due to a number of factors including lack of places for low-cost physical activity, traffic and safety concerns among residents, and competing priorities. The Initiative for a Healthy Weight will work to make sure that all Rhode Islanders have access to safe and affordable options to be more physically active.

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!