Despite a long litany of government-funded health programs, state and federal health department messaging campaigns, and tighter restrictions on the availability of sugary drinks and candy in schools, Alaskans are more obese and overweight than past generations.
According to a new report from the Alaska Dept. of Health, the percentage of Alaskan adults who are overweight or obese grew from 48% in 1991 to 69% in 2023. Among men the increase was from 57% to 74%, and among women it was 36% to 63%.
Alaskans of all races, regions, sexes, education levels and economic incomes are affected.
Younger Alaskans are also trending in the wrong direction, with 33% of high school aged students being overweight/obese, and 7% suffering from severe obesity.
Government efforts to reduce the availability of candy and fatty snacks in schools seems to have had no impact on youth, the report shows.
“Today, Alaskans have fewer opportunities to move and spend more time sitting, whether at desk jobs, driving, or in front of screens.”
Between 2004 and 2024 there were significant declines in the availability so-called junk food. In 2004, close to half of secondary schools reported that snacks were available for purchase in the school; 46% for chocolate and other candy and 49% for salty snacks that were not low fat. By 2024, chocolate and other candy were available in only 9% of Alaska schools while salty snacks were available in 13%.
These alarming trends coincide with less physical activity and more screen time.
Two in three Alaskan adults fail to meet the basic recommendations for physical exercise, as do four out of five high school students.
This inactivity is linked to increased risk in the severity of certain infectious diseases, like Covid, as well as chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, certain mental health disorders, dementia-related diseases, and some cancers. These are among some of the leading causes of illness, disability, death, and rising health care costs in Alaska.
Additionally, despite much publicized dietary guidelines, most Alaskans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables and consume too many sugary drinks, the report finds.
Modern lifestyles also play a role in the obesity trend.
“Today, Alaskans have fewer opportunities to move and spend more time sitting, whether at desk jobs, driving, or in front of screens,” the report notes. “Additionally, confusing and sometimes misleading food and beverage marketing makes it difficult for even well-intentioned consumers to identify truly healthy choices.”
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Between 1991 and 2023, the prevalence of adult obesity increased along these lines:
• Men (14% to 37%)
• Women (13% to 35%)
• Alaska Native adults (16% to 37%)
• White adults (13% to 35%)
2 Comments
I find this really frustrating as those of us, the evidently minority, are having to pay higher insurance premiums and health costs because of the neglectful or even lazy. My husband and I both take responsibility for our health just as we do other areas of our lives. We work out, eat in moderation and intentionally healthy, stay very active and do things to keep us agile and fit as we age. We are both in our mid 60’s. Neither of us is overweight nor have any metabolic issues – this is not some ‘genetic luck’ but because we consider healthy living as important as taking a shower and brushing one’s teeth. We are dismayed to see an epidemic of disconnect to making healthy choices. Truly leaving the electronic devices behind for a 1/2 hour to one hour day of walking and stretching would make a difference. Add also get off the ATV and walk a bit – vigorously for 30 minutes. There are boatloads of guidelines for eating a healthy diet. Eat as ‘close to the ground’ as possible. Fresh not processed – vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, poultry and whole grains. It truly is not rocket science. There should be incentive with insurance and healthcare to encourage healthier choices but alas there is more money to be made in treating self induced sick people. It is sad so many cannot see the advantage to their quality of life by just make a few healthier changes to their lifestyles.
The Japanese society charges health insurance premiums based on YOUR actual health status, meaning waistline measurement, weight, smoking, alcohol consumption etc. in japan you pay the premium for YOUR personal health statistics. Not like in the U.S.!