Healthy Weight
Healthy Weight Goals for Mercer County
Decrease proportion of Mercer County adults who are obese
Increase awareness of the connection between weight status and other comorbidities by increasing percentage of adults receiving preventative health screenings and visiting primary care provider for annual wellness
According to the Mercer County Community Health Needs Assessment:
71% of adults in our community are overweight or obese
50% do not exercise at least three times per week
78% do not eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day
46% eat fast food more than once per week
In addition to these statistics, obesity is the third most commonly reported healthcare concern and the top three primary diagnoses between 2017-2019 were obesity related diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am a healthy weight?
Body mass index (BMI) is defined as a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight and obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. You can use an online BMI calculator to determine your BMI. Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider when determining whether your weight and body composition are healthy. We recommend talking to your primary care provider about your risk for obesity.
Why should I care about reaching a healthy weight?
People who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for developing many health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, mental health disorders, arthritis and other body pain and discomfort.
Working toward reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can have significant positive impacts on your health. Even losing only 5-10% of your body weight can lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for chronic obesity-related illness.
If I want to work toward a healthy weight, how do I start?
Making the decision to focus on your health and reach a healthy weight is an important first step! There are many resources available in our community and online to help you succeed in your journey to a healthier you. We recommend discussing your health goals with your primary care provider, especially before beginning a new physical activity regimen.
Nutrition Resources & Information
MyPlate from the US Department of Agriculture, provided dietary guidelines, including the MyPlate app which helps build healthy eating habits by setting daily food goals and easily viewing progress.
Mercer Health's Center for Healthy Weight and Wellness provides comprehensive weight loss and wellness services.
Physical Activity Resources & Information
The Mercer County area offers beautiful parks and a variety of sports complexes. Find more information at the Auglaize and Mercer Counties Convention Visitors Bureau.
American Heart Association provides recommendations for physical activity in adults and kids.