The prevalence of overweight and
obesity has become one of the most critical health issues in both South
Carolina and the United States. U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona has
called obesity America’s single biggest health problem. Overweight and
obesity cut across all ages, economic levels, and racial and ethnic
groups. In South Carolina, over sixty percent of all adults are now
either overweight or obese. This issue also affects South Carolina’s
younger citizens, as 25% of high school students and 25 percent of
low-income children, ages 2 -5, are overweight or at risk of overweight.
Overweight and obesity and the associated risk factors of unhealthy
eating and inadequate amounts of physical activity increase the risk for
developing other chronic conditions and diseases, such as diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, arthritis, sleep apnea, and
depression. These chronic conditions result in a significant toll to the
health care system. The total cost of obesity in the United States was
$117 billion in 2000. Obesity-attributable medical costs for South
Carolina alone reached over one billion dollars in 2003.
Obesity is a complex condition, with
behavioral, biological, and environmental factors, and the causes are
not yet completely understood. However, for most people, overweight and
obesity are the result of an imbalance between caloric intake and
caloric expenditure. Healthy lifestyles that include regular physical
activity and good eating habits are the most effective way to prevent
obesity, yet these goals are often difficult for people to achieve in
today’s society.
To address these factors and influences, a comprehensive strategic
approach for South Carolina has been developed. This framework for
action, Moving South Carolina Towards a Healthy Weight: Promoting
Healthy Lifestyles and Healthy Communities, is based on the best
scientific evidence currently available. Activities and initiatives
outlined will address the full spectrum of South Carolina life, from
corporate boardrooms to rural churches; from medical centers to daycare
centers to strategically influence individuals, families, communities,
organizations, and the policies and environments that shape our
behavior. This framework can be used by policy makers, individuals, and
organizations at all levels to guide and inform actions and activities
to create supportive environments for a healthier South Carolina.
Vision
Moving South Carolina towards a healthy weight through healthy
lifestyles and healthy communities.
Mission
The mission of SCCOPE is to foster statewide coordinated, collaborative,
and sustainable efforts leading to the increased capacity for promoting
healthy weight, controlling obesity, and decreasing the burden of
obesity-related chronic diseases in South Carolina.
Goals
1. Increase the percentage of South Carolinians who meet the current age
specific recommendations for regular physical activity.
2. Increase the percentage of South Carolinians who consume at least
five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
3. Increase the percentage of South Carolina mothers who breast-feed for
at least six months.
4. Increase the percentage of South Carolinians who achieve and maintain
a healthy weight.
5. Decrease the burden of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases.
6. Increase the number of research projects in South Carolina related to
obesity prevention and control.
Milestones
A comprehensive, coordinated statewide effort to promote healthy weight.
Communities support and promote the adoption of policy and environmental
strategies to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.
Improved health of all populations who are affected by the burden of
obesity and chronic diseases.
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