Obesity is a significant public health issue affecting more than 100 million adults (42%) and 14 million children (20%) in the United States, Buckingham-Schutt continued. Obesity is a complex and costly chronic disease influenced by many factors. An adult with obesity has a body mass index of 30 or higher. The condition is associated with increased healthcare costs of approximately $173 billion annually, along with poorer mental health outcomes, stigmatization, reduced quality of life, and a higher risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and various cancers.
Iowa State University's Iowa LEAP initiative includes comprehensive community assessments, engaging local coalitions and gathering valuable community input to implement evidence-based strategies identified through these assessments to effectively address health disparities related to poor nutrition, physical activity and obesity in Iowa counties.
LEAP's goal is to make healthy eating and active living more accessible and affordable. We work to implement evidence-based research leveraging state investments and resources. Partners represent many professions, such as agriculture, transportation, education, health care, public health, parks and recreation, business, housing, and public safety.
We work with community extension services on evidence-based strategies for:
1. Food and nutrition security through food service and nutrition guidelines and fruit and vegetable vouchers and produce prescriptions.
2. Increasing physical activity through community design.
To learn more about LEAP, visit the program webpage: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/leap