INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's obesity rate ranks 12th in the United States, according to a recent report by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.
The report said an alarming 69 percent of people in Marion County are overweight or obese, and we looked into the contributing factors.
Linda McElhiney weighed 267 pounds five years ago. Since getting a vertical sleep gastrectomy and working on her diet, she has lost 120 pounds and counting.
"I thought I was in fairly good shape. Once I lost the weight, it totally changed my perspective," McElhiney said. "Now I'm happier and I feel more confident."
IU Health dietitian Rachel Weisenburger said 1-in-3 Hoosier adults are obese, which can lead to serious health problems like hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, hyper cholesterol anemia and thyroid issues.
Data show around 90 percent of Hoosiers don't eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.
"Stay away from the fast foods, the processed foods and get back to the basics," Weisenburger said.
Additionally, 83 percent of Indiana adults don't get enough physical activity.
"It doesn't have to be going to the gym, but it can be just taking the stairs or parking farther away," Weisenburger said. "Different small changes like that can really make a big difference in the long run."
National guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
"I work out a lot," McElhiney said. "I've become a workout fiend since I lost the weight and it's been a great experience."
This issue impacts the entire state. Obesity costs Indiana more than $8.5 billion a year from missing work, low productivity, healthcare costs and premature death.
McElhiney said you need to commit fully to losing weight to gain a healthier lifestyle.
"It's difficult in the beginning, but the payoff is great," she said.
