Oregon Public Broadcasting

Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in Oregon, according to a new report released Tuesday by a state task force.

The panel is calling on state lawmakers to spend more money on prevention programs.  Salem correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Oregonians are eating more and exercising less.  A task force created by the Legislature found that the percentage of the population that’s obese is the highest it’s ever been.

And children are gaining weight faster than adults.  The report shows the proportion of obese children in Oregon has tripled in the past 20 years.  

That has long-term consequences, says Bruce Goldberg.  He chaired the task force and also heads the Oregon Department of Human Services.  

Goldberg says obesity is linked to cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Bruce Goldberg:  “Those health problems do two things.  They shorten our lives and kill us.  And they cost us millions of dollars in what we spend on the health care cost to treat them.”

Goldberg says spending money now could save money later.  The task force wants more spending on phys ed in Oregon schools, and for things like bike paths to encourage more exercise.

Online:

Obesity Task Force Final Report