MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A recent report by Wall Street 24/7 said Monongalia County is the least obese in West Virginia. The Monongalia County rate is 30.1 percent compared to the state average of 36.9 percent.
A report from the CDC said medical cost of the estimated 93 million obese Americans is $147 billion annually.
Obesity-related medical conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and premature death.
Monongalia Public Health Officer Dr. Lee Smith said maintaining the proper body weight can improve the overall quality of life.
“Your body mass index, the amount of extra fat you carry all have significant impact on your overall health and longevity,” Smith said.
Smith acknowledged the numbers are encouraging, but there is still obesity in the county and educating the public about resources must continue.
Smith added that here in Monongalia County people have many more options to stay active and keep fit.
“We have Arboretum, the Rails to Trails, lots of places where people can go and exercise, Smith said,” We have a lot more resources and people should take advantage of them,” he said.