Fact Finder: Obesity in Northern Michigan
Posted: 09.07.2011 at 2:11 PM

A Closer Look at the Growing Trend

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new report shows half of Americans will be obese by 2030. We wondered how northern Michigan measures up. According to the Grand Traverse County Health Department, Michigan ranks 8th in the nation for obesity and 76% of adults in northern Michigan are overweight or obese.

Local health officials are working to try and combat the problem by encouraging breast feeding, which is a proven way to combat childhood obesity. Another way is by allowing low income families more fruits and vegetables at farmer's markets.

Health officials state wide will be meeting September 21st for Michigan's first ever obesity summit. We'll keep you updated on their efforts.

In the meantime here are some great tools to learn more about the rise in obesity in the U.S. in the last 25 years and a way to measure your own health.