Obesity levels have increased across the United States, and Utah and Provo are no exceptions.

While national obesity levels are at an all-time high, Utah has the sixth-lowest obesity rate of the 50 states at 22.5 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site.  Provo City, including BYU, is among the areas in Utah with the lowest obesity and overweight rates, according to the Utah Department of Health Web site. Still, that number approaches 47 percent.

Nationally, 16 percent of children are overweight, and one in three adults is obese.

“The problem has an increasing prevalence in children and that leads into adulthood,” said Bruce Bailey, an assistant professor in the Department of Exercise Sciences.

What defines obesity? The answer isn’t as clear as one might think. Obesity is having an excessive accumulation and storage of fat on the body. According to the CDC Web site, it is often indicated by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above.

“It is important to remember that although BMI correlates with the amount of body fat, BMI does not directly measure body fat,” according to the site. “As a result, some people, such as athletes, may have a BMI that identifies them as overweight even though they do not have excess body fat.” Therefore, analyzing a person’s entire health profile would be a more accurate determinant in defining obesity.

“If you are metabolically fit, that is more important than what the scale says,” Bailey said.

“Don’t get so caught up with the scale and BMI, compared to the health profile. You can still be healthy and be overweight.”

The cause of obesity has many intertwining factors.

“It is a genetic and environment interaction,” Bailey said.

Genetics contribute to some extent: height, shape and how and where a person deposits fat. But it is hard to explain the high growth rate in levels of obesity from genetics, said James

LeCheminant, another professor in the Department of Exercise Sciences.

According to the CDC Web site, “Despite obesity having strong genetic determinants, the genetic composition of the population does not change rapidly. Therefore, the large increase in ... [obesity] must reflect major changes in non-genetic factors.”

This is where a person’s environment and behavior come in to play.

“There are behaviors we do that make us more susceptible for excess weight gain,” Bailey said. In today’s world, “you have to plan to be physically active,” he said.

Americans’ fast-paced lifestyle and the amount of food available are huge factors, he said.

Fast-food restaurants, all-you-can-eat buffets and pizza delivery can all contribute. The more food available, the more people are likely to eat.

LeCheminant said people often eat oversized portions and would feel robbed if only given a normal-sized portion. “Americans like big bang for the buck,” he said.

With this fast-paced lifestyle and easy access to large amounts of food, the need for physical activity can become obsolete.

“We don’t have to chase our food anymore,” LeCheminant said. People just pull up to a drive-thru window or call in a delivery, he said.

People’s lack of physical activity is another large factor contributing to increased obesity rates.
“You have to be committed to get enough exercise,” LeCheminant said.

Adults should be doing a physical activity for about 40 minutes a day. Being physically fit promotes positive cardiovascular, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

What can a person do to try and maintain a healthy weight?

“Practical things,” Bailey said. He suggested being physically active for 30-40 minutes a day, eating less high energy “dance foods,” picking foods with more nutritional value and fewer calories and consuming fewer calories at night.

“You can’t eat everything you want to eat,” Bailey said. “Retain your taste buds.” Fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains are all good to consume.

There is a perception that healthy foods cost more and are harder to prepare, Bailey said. This can be true with certain foods, but ultimately, “you will have to make decisions.”

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