Region Jämtland Härjedalen has just compiled the figures from its survey “Health on equal terms based on obesity and obesity” for 2018. It shows that the county estate continues to be above the national average. In the whole country, 51 per cent have obesity or obesity and in Jämtland County it is 53 per cent.
"These are very high numbers, so this is something we have to work on to overcome," says Elisabeth Strömblad, dietitian at the region's Public Health Unit.
The level of education proves to be important, more low-educated than highly educated have overweight and obesity. It is about sitting still and some physical activity in everyday life. Many in the study state that they want to change their eating habits and want support in it.
- It is very much the hunters need to work on when it comes to fruits and vegetables, says Elisabeth Strömblad.
Sparsely populated municipalities have a greater share of overweight and obesity. In the county, Åre and Östersund are below the national average of 48 and 49 percent, while the municipality of Strömsund stands out elsewhere. 68 percent say they are overweight or obese. In the county, more men than women are obese and have obesity. In the municipality of Strömsund, it is clear in the group of men between 45-64 years.
Many risks with obesity- It is remarkable that up to 30 percent of them have obesity. It is something that really affects the individual's life and mood, says Elisabeth Strömblad.
The risks of being overweight and obese are many.
- High blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We can also see in the study that it can be linked to cancer, says Elisabeth Strömblad.