MU Extension holds Missouri Obesity Summit

MU Extension focussed attention on Missouri's growing obesity problem at a recent summit:

Missouri is the 12th-fattest state, and health professionals from across the state are concerned it’s a growing problem.

According to a study published this summer called the Trust for America’s Health report, about 26 percent of Missouri adults are obese. About 15 percent of children are obese, making the state 15th in youth obesity rates.

More than 100 representatives from around Missouri convened on the MU campus Tuesday and Wednesday for a childhood obesity summit. The event, which included presentations as well as group problem-solving sessions, was hosted by MU Extension. The summit was also sponsored by the Missouri Foundation for Health of St. Louis and KC Healthy Kids of Kansas City.

Attendees included representatives from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, varied school districts, state legislators and MU faculty members. . . .

“What I am really trying to promote is getting children and adults to incorporate activity into their lifestyles,” Reilly said. “Instead of thinking, ‘I have to go to the gym and work out,’ for them to do simple things like walk to school instead of drive.”

Reilly promotes programs like “The Walking School Bus,” where a group of children, under adult supervision, walk to school instead of riding the bus. These programs advocate construction of sidewalks, so people can take advantage of activities like walking or biking.

Read more on the Columbia Missourian's web site.