Obesity increased 20 percent in Wyoming over the last two years according to the recently released annual report on America’s health rankings from the United Health Foundation. The national average for adult obesity rates is right at 30 percent and Wyoming now sits at 29.5 percent. Just two years ago, Wyoming’s obesity rate was 24.6 percent, according to the report. 

This increase brings Wyoming up to 24th in the nation for obesity with Arkansas as the most obese at 35.9 percent and Colorado as the least obese at 21.3 percent.

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30.0 or higher, which can be a bit misleading for those who are active and have muscle weight since BMI is based on a height and weight ratio.

Losing weight and getting healthy is a common New Year’s resolution, so with this new statistic in mind, we encourage everyone to make this new year a healthier one than the last.

Although getting active is always good, some may want to consider consulting with their physician beforehand so that their lifestyle change is both safe and sustainable. We are fortunate to have these specialists available in our community.

The increase in obesity in Wyoming is surprising considering America’s playground, Yellowstone National Park, is right in our backyard and the state is covered in many other equally fantastic outdoor recreation options. 

We’re lucky to live in a region that literally millions of people travel to from all over the world to recreate in for just a short time. Hiking the North Fork, climbing Heart Mountain, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more are all options to keeping active during the winter. We have the opportunity to do these outdoor activities in what many consider to be some of the most naturally beautiful places in the world — and we agree, it is gorgeous out there. 

But cold weather isn’t for everyone and the sun sets early this time of year. Luckily, there are multiple opportunities to stay active all year-round indoors. 

In Powell, we have the Powell Aquatic Center and several fitness and rehabilitation centers with exercise equipment available for people looking to burn off those Christmas calories. Some even provide exercise classes for those seeking guidance or wanting to workout with a group.

If exercising alone is more your style but you’re unsure of where to start, don’t be shy — meet with a physical therapist, talk to a personal trainer or even just chat with others at the gym. Powell is a friendly town, so the people you’ll find at each facility will be happy to give some tips and share what worked well for them.  

Whatever your approach to improving your health, it’s important to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day — changes can take time and results from exercising can take weeks or even months to see, and a lifetime to sustain. But the rewards are worth it — decreased risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and more, plus the increase in energy that comes with living a healthier life.

With that in mind, there’s no time like the present to place those New Year’s resolutions into action.