Carrie McLeod, Fargo, letter: Bulging midsection needs weight-loss plan

FARGO — The “F as in Fat” report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s health ranked North Dakota as the 21st most obese state among those states with the highest rates of obesity among adults.

Our ranking provides greater evidence that our cities and state must intensify our efforts in the fight against obesity and related illnesses.

Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and an estimated 27.7 percent of North Dakota residents are considered overweight or obese.

The good news is that more can be done. We can continue to improve the health of residents in our communities if state and local leaders take important steps to address this issue. The American Heart Association is committed to supporting renewed efforts to build a healthy North Dakota. Join us through our Facebook site “Healthy Kids N.D.” to learn more, and assess your own heart health through mylifecheck.heart.org.

We have the power to make healthy choices for ourselves and our loved ones. However, we need support from all sectors of society to help North Dakota residents have access to healthy foods and safe environments for physical activity.

Carrie McLeod

McLeod is North Dakota advocacy chairperson for the American Heart Association.

Tags: in the mail, american heart association, opinion, obesity, health, diet