Montana

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). Montana has received funding for this program since 2001 (excluding 2003).

The Burden of Obesity in Montana

Montana's estimated 2007 total population is just under one million, with roughly 740,000 adults. Of those adults, approximately 39% are considered overweight and another 23% 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.

• Almost 20% of Montana adults report no leisure time physical activity in the past month.
• Only one quarter report eating fruits and vegetables at least five times a day.

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

The problem is not limited to adults alone. Thirteen percent of Montana youth (9th–12th grades) are overweight, and another 10% are obese, according to 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data.

• Only 45% are meeting current physical activity recommendation levels.
• Approximately one-in-five youth eat fruits and vegetables five or more times a day.
• Approximately one quarter drink at least one non-diet soda each day.
• Twenty-two percent watch three or more hours of television each day.

Obesity also affects the state's economy. In Montana, the medical costs associated with adult obesity were $175 million in 2003 dollars. 

What is Montana Doing about Obesity?

Montana provides funding for 13 county health departments and several tribal agencies to work on healthy eating and active living activities. The state's Nutrition and Physical Activity Program has concentrated many of their efforts in the towns of Missoula and Shelby to demonstrate comprehensive, multi-faceted programs, including the following:

• MOVE Missoula was started with money from Montana's Nutrition and Physical Activity program. The program's efforts include using nutrition and physical activity curriculum in all public schools, inviting the local health department to planning board reviews, supporting breastfeeding, and developing campaigns to encourage physical activity opportunities. The effort currently receives funds from a mix of private and public sources. Missoula is also the location of the Missoula Worksite Interventions which promote affordable, sustainable policy and practice changes in 249 worksites within the city. 
• The state health department has been working with Shelby, MT, a small rural town committed to healthy behaviors and healthy places. Mayor Larry Bonderud conducts surveys of town residents though community newsletters and barters for publicity from local radio and newspaper. His efforts have resulted in a new fitness center for the Civic Center. He has also convinced local employers to subsidize memberships for employees. Town residents are able to enjoy a six-mile walking/biking trail that connects schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and parks; eat produce from a wheelchair-accessible community garden, and take obesity-focused Health Risk Assessments free of charge. Plans are in the works to improve access to healthy restaurant menu options, especially for children's menus.

Statewide, Montana passed State Bill 89: Worksite Support for Breastfeeding. This law requires certain employers (e.g., state, counties, cities, schools, universities) to provide flexible breaks for lactating employees, provide a private place to express milk, and refrain from discriminating against someone on the basis of her status as a lactating mother.

Through these activities, Montana and CDC are addressing obesity by creating places where Montana residents can make healthy choices about nutrition and physical activity.

For more information:
Ninia Baehr, MA, RN
Program Manager, Montana Nutrition and Physical Activity Program
Montana State University
Telephone: 406-994-5686
Fax: 406-994-5699
E-mail: niniab@montana.edu
Web site: http://www.montananapa.org/

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