Call it what you want — heavy, fat, overweight or chubby — obesity is epidemic across America. A recent report by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranks Wyoming 38th for adult obesity rates among the 50 states. That's good, you say? Not so fast.The report goes on to add that obesity rates increased in the past year in 23 other states — and didn't decrease in a single one. Perhaps more horrifying is, according to the study, the percentage of overweight and obese children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.And it gets worse: Adult obesity rates now exceed 20 percent in every state except Colorado. According to the report, not a single state had an obesity rate above 20 percent in 1991, and in 1980, the national rate was 15 percent.All this despite the 100-calorie packages, the media blitz on the benefits of health and wellness, an endless stream of newfangled diets and educational programs in schools and communities nationwide. Why isn't the message getting through?The extra pounds have a significant impact on our lives. Obesity frequently leads to type 2 diabetes and contributes to countless other diseases and mental health issues. The upsurge in obesity-related diseases translates to sky-rocketing health insurance premiums and huge costs to our public and private health care systems.Obesity also leads to decreased productivity and increased absence in the workplace. The effects go on and on.While the report makes recommendations regarding national policy, we can begin to make small changes right here in Powell. Adults can make healthy food and beverage choices. When cost is an issue, there are programs to provide financial assistance. Increased activity is imperative — even a walk around the block is a start.As parents, we can limit kids' sedentary time and supervise their eating habits. We can also put pressure on schools to limit the amount of junk food and beverages available on campuses — and encourage them to increase physical activity in school curricula. Workplace wellness programs also have proven helpful — leading to healthier employees and a healthier bottom-line.As a country, we've let the Super Size become the norm. It's time to make the long-term choice to be healthy — starting here and starting now.

Call it what you want — heavy, fat, overweight or chubby — obesity is epidemic across America.

A recent report by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranks Wyoming 38th for adult obesity rates among the 50 states. That's good, you say? Not so fast.

The report goes on to add that obesity rates increased in the past year in 23 other states — and didn't decrease in a single one. Perhaps more horrifying is, according to the study, the percentage of overweight and obese children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.

And it gets worse: Adult obesity rates now exceed 20 percent in every state except Colorado. According to the report, not a single state had an obesity rate above 20 percent in 1991, and in 1980, the national rate was 15 percent.

All this despite the 100-calorie packages, the media blitz on the benefits of health and wellness, an endless stream of newfangled diets and educational programs in schools and communities nationwide. Why isn't the message getting through?

The extra pounds have a significant impact on our lives. Obesity frequently leads to type 2 diabetes and contributes to countless other diseases and mental health issues. The upsurge in obesity-related diseases translates to sky-rocketing health insurance premiums and huge costs to our public and private health care systems.

Obesity also leads to decreased productivity and increased absence in the workplace. The effects go on and on.

While the report makes recommendations regarding national policy, we can begin to make small changes right here in Powell. Adults can make healthy food and beverage choices. When cost is an issue, there are programs to provide financial assistance. Increased activity is imperative — even a walk around the block is a start.

As parents, we can limit kids' sedentary time and supervise their eating habits. We can also put pressure on schools to limit the amount of junk food and beverages available on campuses — and encourage them to increase physical activity in school curricula.

Workplace wellness programs also have proven helpful — leading to healthier employees and a healthier bottom-line.

As a country, we've let the Super Size become the norm. It's time to make the long-term choice to be healthy — starting here and starting now.