By Kevin Palmer
In Georgia, attracting and promoting unhealthy eating establishments is more important to leaders than obesity reduction. Hence, the only way elected, appointed, or corporate leaders will seriously address obesity is when obesity becomes a condition of their election, appointment, or employment.
According to a 2019 report titled, The State of Obesity, by the Trust for Americaās Health, 67.2 percent of adults in Georgia are obese or overweight. Moreover, obesity is the only area where Black and White Georgians have equality. Blacks are 38.3 percent obese and are ranked 24th nationally, while Whites are 30.1 percent obese and are ranked 24th nationally.
According to WalletHub.com, of the 100 fattest metro areas in the United States, Augusta-Richmond County ranked number 10. Of the top 5 metro areas with the highest percent of obese adults, Augusta-Richmond County ranked 4th. Of the top 5 metro areas with the highest percent of adults with low fruit/vegetable consumption, Augusta-Richmond County ranked 2nd.
Therefore, in Georgia, serious obesity reduction is when leaders set the example by maintaining a healthy weight.
