Respondents of Hispanic origin have had a gradual increase in the percent overweight. Respondents of Hispanic origin had a higher percentage of obese than non-Hispanic white residents. This is the same income bracket that is more likely to be obese. Since obese children are likely to become obese adults, a key public health strategy might be to focus on increasing obesity prevention efforts targeting children. Survey respondents will be high school students in grades 9-12.
Obesity is a very complex issue.
Although services and tools can be provided to help individuals reach a healthy weight, behavior change is being addressed, which can be very difficult to accomplish. Ultimately, as with other health issues and risk behavior, personal choice is involved. Individuals are responsible for their own decisions, but options and assistance can be provided to encourage and support Indiana citizens in the hope that they will make choices that result in improved health. In order to have a long reaching effect, any initiative addressing overweight and obesity will need to take into account that although individuals may lose weight fairly rapidly, life-time changes must occur to maintain a healthy weight. Healthy People 2010 is a comprehensive, nationwide health promotion and disease prevention initiative that brings together national, state and local government agencies, nonprofit, voluntary and professional organizations, businesses, communities, and individuals.