Health

W.VA. Unveils Initiative to Fight Fat

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W.Va. Unveils Initiative to Fight Fat

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - State officials hope to erase West Virginia's reputation as one of the fattest states in the nation with a campaign that encourages residents to walk more and eat less. Gov. Bob Wise and health officials unveiled the West Virginia on the Move campaign Thursday.



The goal is to encourage people to walk about one more mile every day and eat fewer calories. The campaign is similar to an effort in Colorado.



West Virginia's campaign will include a Web site, billboards and workplace and school programs.

In 2001, 25.1 percent of West Virginia adults were obese and 37.9 percent were overweight. The national obesity rate was about 21 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control's 2001 Behavioral Risk Survey.

People who are obese are more likely to have other health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.



"West Virginia on the Move will help keep our citizens healthy," Wise said.