The Epidemic
59% of Oklahoma adults are overweight or obese. (CDC BRFSS, 2002)
23% of non-Hispanic white adults, 29% of non-Hispanic black adults, 25% of American Indian adults, and 21% of Hispanic adults, and 27 percent of multi-racial adults in Oklahoma are obese. (CDC BRFSS and OK BRFSS, 2002)
The obesity rate among Oklahoma adults increased by 97% from 1990 to 2002. (CDC BRFSS, 1990, 2002)
Program Priorities
In 2000, the Oklahoma State Board of Health made improving nutrition and increasing physical activity two of the top five priorities of the state Department of Health. The Department responded by forming an intra-agency task force called the Energy Force to focus on obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and improving nutrition across the lifespan. An interagency project called Oklahoma Action for Healthy Kids was formed in 2002, with a heavy emphasis on nutrition and physical activity. In 2003, Oklahoma Action for Healthy Kids and the Energy Force were combined to create a statewide task force, called the Oklahoma Fit Kids Coalition, which is charged with addressing policy and environmental issues that affect nutrition and physical activity in schools. A number of obesity prevention and control initiatives have been undertaken that target different populations using a variety of different strategies. Notable examples include the Safe Routes to School project, Get Fit With WIC, “Walk this Weigh Oklahoma,” Oklahoma Native American REACH 2010 Project, and Healthy Childcare Oklahoma.
With CDC funding, the health department will identify and recruit potential partners across the state and begin developing a comprehensive state plan. At the same time, a model will be developed for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the final state plan.
Partners
American Cancer Society
American Heart Association
American Diabetes Association
Central Oklahoma Family Medical Center
Integris Health System
Midwest Dairy Council
The Oklahoma Academy of Goals
Action for Healthy Oklahoma Kids
Oklahoma Area Indian Health Service
Oklahoma Department of Education
Oklahoma City District Dietetic Association
Oklahoma County Medical Society
Oklahoma Employees Benefits Council
Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
Oklahoma Osteopathic Association
Oklahoma Public Health Association
Oklahoma State Medical Association
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma Turning Point
Oklahoma WIC Program
OMNIPLEX State Museum Group
REACH 2010 Oklahoma Native American Project
Variety Health Center
Upcoming Events and Products
A Physical Activity and Nutrition Web site is currently being developed.
An inventory of nutrition and physical activity best practices and community resources in Oklahoma is underway. Key informant interviews will be conducted within priority populations to help determine appropriate interventions, and focus groups will be held on appropriate messaging.
An over-sampling of minority populations in Oklahoma utilizing standard chronic disease prevention and control modules has been conducted and the analysis of data is being done to assist with evidence based planning.
Project Period: 2004–2008
Year First Funded: 2004
Funding Stage: Capacity Building
Contact Person:
Adeline Yerkes, RN, MPH
Chief, Chronic Disease Service
Oklahoma Department of Health
Telephone: 405-271-4072, ext. 57123
E-mail:
adeliney@health.state.ok.us
Data Sources
CDC BRFSS — CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
CDC PedNSS — CDC’s Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System
CDC YRBSS — CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
OK BRFSS — Questions added to the named survey by the individual state
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obes...s/oklahoma.htm