If David Letterman had a list for the top 10 states with the highest overweight and obesity rates, where would Pennsylvania fall? Right in the middle, tied in the fifth spot with Kentucky and North Dakota. Fifty-nine percent of the adults in these states are considered overweight or obese. The most universally accepted method to classify overweight and obesity is body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of weight in relation to height and can be calculated using this equation: Body Mass Index equals weight (in pounds) divided by height (in inches) squared, then multiplied by 703. Easier ways to calculate your BMI are available on the Internet, where you need only insert the numbers and the Web site does the rest of the math. These include the Surgeon General (click on Surgeon General's Healthy Weight Advice for Consumers) and The National Heart, Lungs and Blood Institute . A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is defined as overweight; equal or greater to 30 indicates obesity of varying degrees. The Body Mass Index correlates with risk of disease and death; for example, heart disease, high blood pressure and the prevalence for diabetes increase with a rising Body Mass Index. In general, the higher a person's BMI is above 25, the greater the weight-related health risks. (However, just because a person has a BMI in the overweight or obese range does not necessarily indicate that he or she is not healthy. Other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and personal and family medical history are important to consider when assessing overall health.) There are limitations in interpreting Body Mass Index. It can overestimate body fat in those who are muscular, such as athletes, and it can underestimate body fat in people who have lost muscle mass, such as many elderly. Looking at the full 50-state list, we're near the top. In this instance, it is better to be at the bottom -- which state holds the 50th position• Hint: It is the only state where the majority (51 percent) of adults fall in the "healthy" weight category, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Answer: Colorado. (For the full state list, go to the Kaiser Family Foundation's State Health Facts Online , click on Health Status and scroll down to Overweight and Obesity rates.) So, what's your secret, Colorado• It is common knowledge that physical activity enhances weight loss, but perhaps less well known is its importance in predicting long-term maintenance of lost weight. In fact, long-term adherence to a physical activity routine is the best predictor of maintaining lost weight. If you already are accumulating 30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week, keep it up. If you are one of the 40 percent of Americans who do not participate in any physical activity during leisure time, it is time to step out. Walking is a great way to burn extra calories. It's convenient and can be done as part of a formal "exercise" program or incorporated into regular lifestyle activities. "Colorado on the Move" is a program designed to increase overall physical activity by increasing the number of steps taken daily. First, get a step counter (check sporting goods stores or search the Internet). Second, establish your baseline step count per day: Log the number of steps taken each day for one week, then take the average over the seven-day period. You'll be building from this baseline step count. For example, if your baseline number is 3,500 steps per day, add 2,000 steps for a daily goal of 5,500 steps. Relax. This goal does not need to be accomplished overnight. Just increase physical activity gradually -- and stick with it. Adding steps will become easier. Once you are comfortable with the increase, it is time to set a new goal. Work toward achieving around 10,000 steps per day. For more detailed information about "Colorado on the Move," visit the program's web site . Also, look soon for the America On the Move Web site . By incorporating a few extra steps into your day, you'll be on the road to a healthier, stronger body and mind and will have an easier time of losing and maintaining weight.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---