Idaho Obesity Rate Increases

Newly-released data on health risks for Idaho adults shows a continued increasing trend in people who are obese or overweight.

These findings are surprising because the gem-state is one that prides itself on its outdoor activities and recreation.

It’s something people dread and people love, going to the gym.

“I grew up in a house where we just kind of ate whatever, whenever,” said tom stickley.

Meet Tom Stickley, he’s an avid gym-goer who also happens to counsel people on weight loss.

He says fitness becomes a part of who he is.

“If i miss a day, which i really try not to- i just don’t feel right, you know,” said Stickley.

Idaho’s obesity rate recently went up from 26.8 percent to 29.6 percent–according to the Idaho Behavioral Risk Factors report

It shows data from 2013 that was released this week.

Obesity is something on the rise nationally.

“To overeat 5 to 700 calories? That’s nothing, but think about how hard it is to go run 5 to 7 miles,” said Robbie Denning, a personal trainer at Apple Athletic Club.
Health professionals say it comes down to this.

“In general, there’s an over consumption in overall calories, usually with a combination of a decrease in physical activity,” said Julie Oakey, a registered dietician at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Low activity and high calories.

“You cannot out-exercise a poor diet,” said Denning.

It’s something most of us have done or do on regular basis.

Which is why there’s simple steps people can take if they want to make lifestyle changes.
“Park a little farther away from the place that they’re going to so they can walk a little bit,” said Oakey.

“Fast food is not really the enemy it’s how much you’re: yes if it’s your lifestyle and you eat four or five times a week than yeah there’s a problem there,”said Denning.