South Carolina – Obesity Prevention Resources

Overview of Obesity in SC

• SC Looks To Turn the Tide on Obesity - article explains high prevalence of obesity and related diseases in SC
  
• Percentage of Overweight and Obese Adults in SC - graph compares SC to US
  
• US Stroke Incidence Map - shows SC in "the buckle of the stroke belt"

SC Obesity Prevention Organizations

• Activate America - YMCA program provides weight-loss education, monthly weigh-ins, and online daily activity logs to monitor your progress
  – Activate Upstate
  
• Eat Smart, Move More SC - includes "options for action" in different settings, tips for starting or enhancing farmer's markets, and other tools for leading a healthy and active lifestyle
  
• Healthy South Carolina Challenge - statewide effort to promote healthy lifestyle choices like exercising and eating right
  
• Lighten Up Forever - Christian community outreach program that helps SC and NC churchgoers lose weight
  
• Louie's Kids - works to find the best treatment options for each child - headquartered in SC
  – Run Buddies - matching adult running and walking mentors with youth at risk for obesity
  
• South Carolina Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity
  
• South Carolina Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity - DNPAO
  
• Hands on Health - does not focus primarily on obesity but deals with many obesity-related illnesses like diabetes and heart disease
  

Regional and National Obesity Prevention Organizations

• Color Me Healthy - NC program to promote nutritional health and physical activity in kids ages 4 and 5
  
• We Can! - promoting ways to enhance childrens' activitiy and nutrition

More Obesity Tools and Resources

• BMI Calculator - online tool for adults and children to determine if their weight is healthy
  
• Obesity Basics and News - compiled by the National Library of Medicine
• Weight Loss - resource of the American Diabetes Association
• Overweight and Obesity - contributing factors, consequences, and recommendations - National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion