After new data on obesity in the U.S., the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding everyone of the health risks of obesity and its commitment to promoting healthier living in the state.
The latest State of Obesity Report shows that while adult obesity rates have been steady over the past five years, South Carolina is among 23 states with an obesity rate of 35% or higher.
Currently, 36% of South Carolina adults are obese. The problem is even more severe in African American and Native American communities, with obesity rates of 45.6% and 42.3%, respectively.
39% of public school students in South Carolina are overweight or obese, as well.
“DPH takes the findings of this report seriously, as obesity is associated with many negative health outcomes, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH deputy director of Health Promotion and Services and chief medical officer. “Our state has excellent programs to address adult and childhood obesity, and this report provides insight into areas where we can strive to make improvements to better meet the needs of our residents.”
Preventing obesity should start in childhood. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Education are working together on projects like SC FitnessGram, which assesses and aims to improve the health and fitness of public school students.
Schools collect fitness data from students in grades 2, 5, 8, and high school annually. This data helps create programs and policies to boost student health statewide.
Childhood obesity is also a national security issue because it affects military eligibility, with fewer than 50% of young adults qualifying for service due to obesity.
DPH promotes healthy lifestyles through nutrition education and partnerships to ensure everyone in South Carolina has access to nutritious, affordable food and safe places to be active.
They lead the Healthy Palmetto initiative, which unites over 40 organizations to support healthy eating and active living.
Six key strategies were recently advanced, and the collaborative is now working on the Healthy Palmetto Action Plan for 2025-2029.
Additionally, DPH:
- Continues to provide the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program.
- Provides health-related data and best practice support to early care and education and school systems to create environments that promote a culture of health.
- Partners with other organizations to address healthy eating and active living through the implementation of Community Health Improvement Plans and nutrition and physical activity action plans.
- Works with partners to include healthy eating and active living best practices into the built environment to encourage active transportation and safe places to be physically active.
- Partners with the South Carolina Department of Social Services to offer Tiny Taste See How We Grow, a preschool nutrition education curriculum for children 3-4 years of age.
- Promotes walkability in communities across the state. In 2023, DPH partnered with Wholespire, the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to host the state’s first-ever Walkability Action Institute.
“Although DPH has made nutrition, physical activity, and obesity prevention a priority, South Carolina has more work to do,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DPH interim director. “DPH will continue our efforts to help South Carolinians live healthier lives, and we encourage residents to practice healthy habits that will improve their overall health and well-being.”
DPH recommends the following tips to help South Carolinians maintain a healthy weight:
- Rethink your drink- Before picking up that can of soda, think about choosing something your body needs, like water, or low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk.
- Right size your portions- Bigger is not always better. Remember to check the nutrition facts label for details on serving sizes and number of calories.
- Move more every day- Even small amounts of daily physical activity can help you stay healthy. Walking is a great way to exercise!
- Eat more healthy meals at home – Eating at home rather than eating out will not only reduce the amount of fat, salt and calories you eat, it also saves money.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables- Whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried, fruits and vegetables are quick, delicious, and convenient. They will keep you healthy all year round.
For more information on DPH’s nutrition, physical activity, & obesity prevention efforts, visit the DPH website.
To learn more about Trust for America’s Health’s (TFAH) State of Obesity Report, visit the TFAH website.
