Alabama

Why do you think that state has progressed as you have seen?

I chose Alabama because its obesity level is one of the highest of the country. There is a large population of blacks in Alabama they have the highest rate of obesity amongst the minorities which is also a reason why the percentage is so high. Two thirds of its population is obese it also has one of the highest ratings in adult diabetes and high blood pressure. It was ranked 48th for adults who eat their fruit and vegetables and babies who are exclusively breast fed at six months. This is a state that is located in the south where there is already a high rate of obesity which has a lot to do with the life style and the main stream food intake of the people. There is a great amount of low income population in Alabama it is said wealthier people can afford healthier food and the exact opposite is true for low income individuals.

What do you think could help modify those trends?

Alabama is working on providing access to every adult and child to for preventive medical services including nutrition and obesity and counseling and screening for obesity related diseases such as diabetes. It is also increasing on number of programs available in communities, schools and childcare settings that will help with providing more information on healthy life styles. It also wants to work on reducing medicare expenditures by promoting nutrition and physical activities among adults ages 55-56.