Obesity is a complex health issue that impacts people throughout the lifespan. Being overweight or obese can lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea/breathing problems, mental illness such as clinical depression, and other negative health outcomes. The key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is not about short-term dietary changes, but rather about living a healthy lifestyle that supports overall physical and mental well-being, as well as healthy eating with regular physical activity.

Research shows the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences and the increased risk for being overweight or obese. Individuals with  traumatic childhoods or chaotic homes, often find it more difficult to live a healthy lifestyle that supports good mental and physical health. Creating healthy community environments and supporting overall mental well-being is critical to ensure residents have an opportunity to have a healthy weight.

The  places in which we live, learn, work, and play are essential to our overall health. Marathon County has abundant outdoor phycical activity opportunities during all seasons and has a farmers market every day of the week.