Summary:
Obesity rates in the U.S. have increased dramatically over the last 30 years. In Florida, only an estimated 36% of adults are at a healthy weight. Over the next 20 years in Florida, obesity is expected to contribute to millions of cases of preventable chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, costing an estimated $34 billion. To address this important public health issue, the Florida Department of Health launched the Healthiest Weight Florida initiative in January 2013.
Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not for profit organizations, businesses, and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living.
Florida’s county and municipal governments play an important role in promoting health and in decreasing the prevalence of obesity. Key to a community’s success is the implementation of broad-based policies and programs that serve to increase physical exercise, improve nutrition and promote activity-rich environments where it is easier to make healthy choices.
One of the leaders in this effort is the City of Orlando. The City provides broad-based interventions to promote cross-generational healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity, and range from daily access to healthy meals for thousands of children after school and throughout the summer; year-round comprehensive sports programs for thousands of youth; the full spectrum of parks and recreational facilities including playgrounds, basketball courts, sports fields and more; specialized wilderness education programs and park experiences for youth; and community gardens throughout the City. |