Healthy Eating Active Living
(HEAL)

Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL)

Obesity is one of the most significant preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States. According to data available from the CDC, the incidence of obesity among adults in Indiana has increased 85% in just a few decades, from 20% to roughly 37%. Today, one in three adults is obese and more than two in three are overweight or obese. This makes Indiana the state with the 12^th highest rate of obesity in the nation. The data also demonstrates that obesity is increasing among children.

Obesity is linked to numerous chronic diseases and serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, asthma, and sleep apnea, among others. Not only do obesity and related chronic conditions impact human health, both physical and mental, and quality of life, obesity also carries significant economic costs due to increased healthcare spending and lost earnings.

Healthy eating habits and active lifestyles help to maintain a healthy weight and prevent and control chronic diseases, which are severe obstacles to a person’s ability to live a long and fulfilling life. Access to healthy foods is a key component to healthy eating habits. Low-income and underserved areas often have limited access to healthy foods as stores selling healthy foods may not be located nearby, the stores may not accept various types of payment, there may not be reliable transportation to the store, and the foods may not be affordable or culturally familiar. Additionally, food insecurity, defined as limited availability or uncertain ability to access nutritionally adequate foods, is associated with chronic health problems including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and mental health conditions.

Addressing the growing prevalence of obesity and associated chronic conditions is critical to improving health and wellness in La Porte County. In 2025, HFL will conduct research to learn more about the needs, opportunities, and funding gaps in the community related to healthy eating and active living and will work with partners to develop strategies to support healthy diets and active lifestyles in the community.