Grant Helps OSU Fight Obesity In Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University is working to help fight obesity in the state - thanks to a nearly $4 million grant. A Centers For Disease Control study shows Oklahoma ranks 6th in the nation worst for adult obesity rates and diabetes and second in the nation for cardiovascular deaths.

The CDC has awarded OSU $3.9 million to help tackle the state's obesity crisis by reaching those who are obese or at risk of becoming obese. 

Adair and Muskogee counties are the initial counties targeted by the "Curbing Obesity" project. Studies show 41.3 percent of adults in Adair County are obese and 40.6 percent in Muskogee County.

The CDC funding will allow OSU to develop, deploy and fund healthy eating initiatives and safe and accessible physical activity options over the next five years in those more rural areas. The project will also help link health care clinics with Cooperative Extension programs, both existing and new, in the counties.

OSU says the long-term benefits of the project will be improved physical health of residents.

Residents of Adair and Muskogee counties interested in learning more about the project are encouraged to contact their family consumer sciences educator:

Adair County: Ashley Davis, 918-696-2253 (ashley.nicole.davis@okstate.edu)

Muskogee County: Tammy Perry, 918-686-7200 (tammy.perry@okstate.edu)