Brats, cheese curds, beerA-A-. Each is a major food group in a Wisconsinite's diet, and when it comes to deterring obesity, the state is receiving a below par grade according to a new study.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Baltimore put Wisconsin at No. 25 in obesity prevalence, making its residents heavier than at least half of the country. However, Wisconsin ranks even lower, receiving a ""D,"" for its efforts to keep citizens from gaining weight.
A group of finance, economics, public policy and law professors at the university researched the causes, costs and solutions of obesity and then gave each of the 50 states a letter grade based on their efforts to curb obesity.
Mississippi, the state with the highest obesity prevalence received a higher grade for its health programs, getting a ""C"" average.
Five other statesA-—Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, South DakotaA-—also received a ""D,"" and only three states—Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming received an ""F.""
Despite Wisconsin's grade there are active obesity fighting groups in the state. ""Most of the current obesity work happening in Wisconsin is taking place at the grassroots level,"" said Eva Robelia, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Family Services.
""There are currently 40 plus local nutrition and physical activity coalitions in the state,"" Robelia said. She pointed to the Healthier Wisconsin Worksite Program that promotes worksite wellness programs to support employees' overall health, including healthy eating and physical activity.
Gov. Jim Doyle has also kept a focus toward creating healthy eating habits for citizens. At Tuesday night's State of the State address he said he wants to expand the BadgerCare Plus health care program, which includes ensuring healthy eating plans for Wisconsin school children.
