According to a 2022 report from the Trust for America’s Health, Kentucky has the second highest rate of adults with obesity in the nation at 40.3 percent (following West Virginia with 40.6 percent) (https://www.tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2022/). In Boone County, Kentucky it is estimated that 37 percent of the adult population is obese (County Health Rankings at https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/explore-health-rankings/compare-counties?compareCounties=21000%2C21015&year=2021).  

Obesity is affiliated with a variety of diseases including heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. The Trust for America’s Health report shares that “obesity is estimated to increase U.S. healthcare spending by $170 billion annually (including billions by Medicare and Medicaid).” It has been shown that neither diet nor exercise alone or combined is a solution for obesity. Lifestyle habits and environmental surroundings have a greater effect on obesity and overall health (Blue Zones at https://www.bluezones.com/live-longer-better/#).

A three-session program titled “Food and Activity Habits for a Longer Life” was attended by 13 adult, middle to older aged, men and women from the general public. The program included social network development, a lecture and discussion focused on healthy lifestyle habits, and hands-on healthy recipe preparation. The featured recipes focused on healthy portion sizes, using local foods, and using a variety of vegetables. Weekly educational presentations focused on the Keys to Embracing Aging series of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension and the world’s Blue Zones®. The Blue Zones® are researched areas of the world where individuals live measurably longer without significant health issues. The habits and lifestyles associated with a longer, healthier life were the focus of the lecture portion of the series.  Some of the factors include making physical activity a normal and natural part of the day, having a social network, engaging the brain, eating a more plant-based diet, reducing stress, and getting quality sleep. 

A mailed survey was sent to all participants three months after the end of the program to determine practice and knowledge changes (62 percent return rate). Of those returning the survey, all (100 percent) shared information from the class with others (about 37 others). The returned surveys also revealed:

75 percent of respondents indicated a low or very low knowledge of habits that could affect their longevity prior to the program. Following the program, 88 percent rated their knowledge of common factors for improving longevity as high or very high.

88 percent now eat more beans, nuts, and lentils (plant proteins), whole grains, fruits, and vegetables

88 percent are more mindful of their eating to a level of satisfaction and stopping instead of eating until they are full or stuffed

75 percent now include more natural movement and physical activity in their day including gardening, walking, housecleaning, etc.

57 percent made some of the recipes used in class and further explored the Blue Zones® research and concepts website and other printed materials

38 percent now take time to de-stress and relax on a regular basis, and are building a stronger social network

One individual shared that the program was an excellent reinforcement of good eating habits. Another shared that learning to cut recipes into small portions encourages them to cook and use recipes for themselves.

12/19/2022