HELENA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new data showing Montana is among the states with the lowest rates of obesity.
Montana has the 6th lowest obese and overweight population.
Health experts credit our outdoor recreation culture and communities that are bike and pedestrian friendly
One quarter of the state’s population is still overweight.
Type two Diabetes and Hypertension, diseases commonly associated with obesity, still have a serious impact on our communities.
The people most at risk in the state are the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who struggle with substance abuse.
Mandi Zanto, section supervisor for DPHHS says “Even though we are lower, there is still a lot of work to be done. You know, 25% is a that’s a pretty significant amount of Montanans that still need that that help to become healthier, become more active.”
DPHHShas created many programs to help those with weight problems around Montana like Tela Health.
Tela Health offers services with a doctor through video chat for those who are not able to go to the doctors.
The Montana Public Health Association conference begins tomorrow and they will be discussing research, ideas, and strategies with national public health experts for the upcoming year.
Reporting by Mercedies Pruneda for MTN News
