Overweight and obesity is a prevalent health concern in the United States, affecting upwards of 73.5% of U.S. residents in 2017-2018. Rural areas are especially impacted with the prevalence of overweight and obesity being greater in rural communities. Those who are overweight and obese are at higher risk for developing chronic diseases including but not limited to type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers.

With overweight or obesity increasing and exacerbating the health conditions a person faces, it is ever important for individuals to learn weight management skills. Having a foundational knowledge of how one can manage their weight will not only help reduce their health burdens, but it can also help improve their healthcare costs. Sustainable lifestyle and dietary behaviors are key to long-term weight maintenance.

University of Illinois Extension will offer the Introduction to Weight Management course on June 4 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Crawford county Extension office. During this class, participants will learn about benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and diet, 3 ways to take action for their weight-related health, the importance of protein and fiber, and challenges faced during weight management. Attendees will also be provided with information about a free, online weight-loss program opportunity offered through a UIUC research team, called EMPOWER. There will be a free recipe handout available for participants to take home at the end of the class.