Michele Polacsek comments on Maine’s obesity rate in ‘NEWS CENTER Maine’ report

Michele Polacsek discussed Maine's obesity rate on NEWS CENTER Maine
Michele Polacsek discussed Maine's obesity rate on NEWS CENTER Maine

Americans are getting heavier according to a recently released study that ranks states for obesity rates. 

Maine is listed as a having the highest obesity rate in New England at 30.4%. New Hampshire is a close second at 29.6%. Overall, Maine is tied with Virginia for the 28th spot of 50 states in adult obesity rates.

Michele Polacsek, Ph.D., M.H.S., professor in the Public Health program, told NEWS CENTER Maine the whole country is dealing with this issue, but she says Maine has some specific challenges.

"We're a rural state, parts of Maine have low income populations, and we know that in a rural states many people don't have access to healthy foods," Polacsek explained.

She also says Maine’s winters play a role. Fewer farmers markets are held during the winter, and people have fewer options to exercise outdoors in cold weather.

Obesity can lead to serious health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and many types of cancer.

NEWS CENTER Maine's Roslyn Flaherty frames a shot of Michele Polacsek on UNE's Portland Campus
NEWS CENTER Maine's Roslyn Flaherty frames a shot of Michele Polacsek on UNE's Portland Campus

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.