Obesity is a major health problem on a national level, but

certain areas in the United States experience a much higher

burden of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and

Obesity (DNPAO) piloted the High Obesity Program in 2014

to address the high burden of obesity in select areas using

environmental approaches and to help reduce adverse health

outcomes such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and

some cancers.

The High Obesity Program funds land grant

universities in states with some of the highest obesity

areas of the country, specifically, those with counties

where more than 40% of the adult population has

obesity. Grantees collaborate with existing cooperative

extension and outreach services at the county level in

their states to develop obesity solutions.

Grantees put into action a set of evidence-based strategies in

the community setting.

Purdue University is working with extension staff

in Jackson and Lawrence Counties. Both counties are

located in the southern part of the state. Activities include

working on wellness policies in schools and healthy

concession stands in Jackson County. In Lawrence

County, community gardens are being developed as

sources for both fresh fruits and vegetables and for

educational purposes. There are plans to increase

opportunities for physical activity by using existing

spaces, such as fairgrounds, the Muscatatuck National

Wildlife Refuge in Jackson County, and private property

in both counties as areas for recreation and exercise by

connecting them to existing trails.