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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Healthiest Weight Florida
Florida Department of Health in Marion County
- 352-629-0137
- Info.Marion@FLHealth.gov
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Mailing Address
1801 SE 32nd Avenue
Ocala, FL 34471-5532
What is Healthiest Weight Florida?
The No. 1 public health threat to Florida’s future is unhealthy weight. Over the next 20 years in Florida, obesity is expected to contribute to millions of cases of preventable chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, costing an estimated $34 billion. On our current trend, by 2030, almost 60 percent of Florida residents will be obese. Additionally, 6 out of 10 children born today will be obese by the time they graduate high school.
Currently, 65 percent of Marion County adults are considered at an unhealthy weight. Nearly 16 percent of our middle and high school students are overweight and nearly 14 percent are considered obese. To address this important public health issue, the Department of Health in Marion County has joined the Healthiest Weight Florida initiative to improve the health and lives of Marion County residents.
By making even small changes, we can make big differences in preventing developing chronic diseases. Increasing physical activity and making healthier food choices can significantly improve our health status and decrease our risk of preventable chronic disease.
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