Indiana

Overweight and obesity have tremendous consequences on our nation's health and economy. Both are linked to a number of chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some cancers. Most American communities are characterized by unhealthy options when it comes to diet and physical activity. We need public health approaches that make healthy options easy, affordable, and available for all Americans.

CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) currently funds 25 states to address the problems of obesity and other chronic diseases through statewide efforts with multiple partners.  The program's primary focus is to create policy and environmental changes to increase: physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and breastfeeding; and to decrease: television viewing, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and consumption of high-energy dense foods (high calorie/low nutrient foods).  Indiana has received funding for this program since 2008.

The Burden of Obesity in Indiana

Indiana's estimated 2007 total population is over 6 million, with roughly 4.7 million adults. Of those adults, approximately 36% are considered overweight and another 27% are considered obese, according to 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Problems are also seen in factors related to obesity and other chronic diseases.

• One quarter of Indiana adults report no leisure time physical activity in the past month.
• Only 23% report eating fruits and vegetables at least five times a day.

Also, the National Immunization Survey shows that Indiana is not meeting any of the five Healthy People 2010 goals for breastfeeding based on children born in 2005.

The problem is not limited to adults alone. Fifteen percent of Indiana youth (9th–12th grades) are overweight and another 14% are obese, according to 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data.

• Only 44% of the youth in these grade levels are meeting current physical activity recommendation levels.
• Only 18% eat fruits and vegetables five or more times a day.
• Approximately one third drink at least one non-diet soda each day.
• Approximately three-in-ten youth watch three or more hours of television each day.

Obesity also affects the state's economy. In Indiana, the medical costs associated with adult obesity were $1.64 billion in 2003 dollars. 

What is Indiana Doing about Obesity?

The state is in a start-up and planning phase to build capacity and infrastructure. One of the first tasks for the Indiana State Department of Health's Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA) is to develop a state obesity prevention plan (Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative). DNPA staff members have been adding partners to a statewide taskforce that will assist in developing and implementing the plan, focused on nutrition, physical activity, and obesity goals and objectives. Newly identified partners include: transportation representatives; city planners; organizations representing grocers, restaurants, and convenience stores; community foundations; and, the state chamber of commerce. They are also developing strategies to implement and evaluate the state plan once it is finalized.

With DNPA's assistance, a measure that called for the collection of height and weight data in grades 3, 5, and 7, became part of the governor's legislative agenda during the most recent session of the Indiana General Assembly. A bill to promote calorie menu-labeling was also considered by the legislature. While each received a hearing and garnered the support of a number of lawmakers, neither became law. These and other related legislative proposals will likely be considered in future sessions.

Through these activities, Indiana and the CDC are addressing obesity by working to create places where residents of Indiana can make healthier choices.

For more information:
Ellen J. Whitt, J.D.
Director, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA)
Indiana State Department of Health
Telephone: 317-232-1200
Fax: 317-234-6473
E-mail: ewhitt@isdh.in.gov

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