Obesity in West Virginia: My Weight Loss Journey and Real Solutions That Worked

The Obesity Epidemic in West Virginia

West Virginia Has the Highest Adult Obesity Rate in the U.S.

How I Lost 200 lbs — My “Tip Jar” of Lessons and Advice

Breakthrough Mindset That Shifted Everything

The prevalence of obesity in West Virginia was 37.7%, which was 1st highest in the nation. (https://dhhr.wv.gov/hpcd/data_reports/Pages/Fast-Facts.aspx)

How can we fix the obesity problem? Show. Teach. Educate. Encourage.

Almost Heaven,

West Virginia.

Home to the beloved Pepperoni roll.

We’re stereotypically known for drinking Mountain Dew and sweet tea. We get up for biscuits and gravy. Oh, yes. Slaw dogs. We love our Slaw dogs too!

Each one of y’all know the *best* hot dog joint!

Most of us grew up here. Probably in some rural small town. In a modest household, working a blue collar job. We know the value of hard work.

Sundays were spent in church, then with family. Of course, there was a large meal. Grandma would fix up the meat. Mom and the aunts made side dishes and desserts. Then everyone would sit and eat together. After the meal; all the cousins would go play.

That was life!

I was born here in West Virginia. In Hampshire county; along the Eastern panhandle. I’m a life-long native. Born here, raised here. I’m still here and not planning on leaving!

As a West Virginian, rooted in family, I enjoy Sunday dinners. I also enjoy pepperoni rolls and a trip to Tudors.

As a young’un, I spent a good chunk of my time in the woods . Catching bugs, building forts, playing in the “crick”.

Enough about the past. Let’s get back to the present. There’s issues, problems, and a HEAVY situation that needs attention.

Why Obesity Is So High in the Mountain State

The burning question is this: Why is WV #1 highest in the nation for obesity rates?

And How can we solve the problem?

First question.. Why?

Because food is.. Food.

Unless you’re an off-grid champion; you’re likely shopping in a grocery store.

I’ve visited the Southern WV coal valleys. Wyoming, Logan, McDowell.

I’ve lived close to/visited the super-rural forested areas in our state. Like, the armpit of the Eastern Panhandle; Randolph, Pocahontas, Pendleton.

Some of us West Virginians live over an hour from the nearest store.

Food Access and “Food Deserts”

Maybe the produce section is “slim”. Researchers blame West Virginia’s obesity epidemic to the lack of access to healthy food retailers.

Yes. It does get pretty deserted and barren in some places. I agree. There’s not much to “work with”.

However, Food is.. Food. We’ve all gotta eat. The real questions I’m asking are; How often are they eating? And how much food is being prepared?

I have been delivering groceries in West Virginia as a side-gig for a little over a year. For Walmart, specifically.

It is so fascinating to see what people eat for the week.

Some folks will literally buy nothing but frozen entrees, chips, and sodas.

Others are buying tilapia, cage-free eggs, and asparagus.

From my personal experience; poor food choices are found in each and every neighborhood. I typically don’t see the people I deliver to. But, from a property value/neighborhood status perspective: it’s almost irrelevant.

Maybe I should do a “case study”. My theory is this: Yes. The “richer folks” typically are the ones buying tilapia and cage free eggs.

However, I’ve see so many bad food choices in “fancier” homes.

Healthy groceries DO get delivered to low income and section 8 housing; lean chicken, eggs, and canned vegetables.

I am not “rich”, nor do I have a “fancy house”. For my family of four; we spend between $80 to $120 a week on groceries. We eat out or get fast food once a week. Some weeks we manage to skip the special treat.

I have a very specific method for shopping. I make a conscious effort to eat what we buy, and not waste/throw away food. You may be thinking.. “How do four people eat on $100 a week?”.

The Frugal Cheapskate’s Guide to Grocery Shopping: How to Feed Family of 4 on $100 a Week

How can we solve the problem? Show. Teach. Educate. Encourage.

I have been a part of the problem. I’ve contributed to the statistics. I was almost 400lbs. I just really enjoyed food.

I began eating for my frame. Now that I’ve lost over 200 lbs; I am no longer a “statistic”. And you know what? I still really enjoy food!

Mindfully eating to support your height and body frame, a weight loss journey tailored appropriately just for YOU! — How I lost 200lbs-The Tip Jar: TIP #3

Do you know what else I enjoy? Life. Connections. Experiences. Adventure. Stories to share. Memories to remember. Time spent worthwhile.

In the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia; there’s so many paths and trails to connect with.

Our own backyard is a great big adventure waiting for us!

Hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, kayaking, mountaineering.

Yes. Even the stereotypical West Virginian sports like; hunting and fishing.

Take away

Forcing is never a solution. It is impossible to help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves. It’s a life-changing big decision to make that requires many difficult changes. When you’re struggling, exhausted, and tired of everything; you don’t want difficult. Climbing out of that pit seems like too much work.

I’ve been there before. I’ve said “I may as well be fat. At least I can enjoy my life”.

Because dieting sucks.. Right?

But, you know what really sucks?

Missing out on life because relaxing and watching TV is “fun”.

Being exhausted and out of breath from doing simple daily activities.

Having excuses for everything (99% of the time it’s something about being too tired).

I’ve been there. I was morbidly obese for most of my life. Everything is overwhelming. Everything takes so much energy. Plain and simple.. Being fat sucks! It literally sucked the life right out of me.

There’s a better way! It’s incredible. Our world was designed with so many wonderful connections. Stories to share. Experiences to remember. Life is meant to be fulfilling!

It all starts with a DECISION.

You can either do SOMETHING or NOTHING.

It takes power to do SOMETHING. West by God..

Make the most loving decisions, and the best possible choices.

Eat for your frame.

Stay committed.

Find the way!

Mountaineers are always free.

Live free. Live fully, and be fulfilled! ❤️

Summary:

West Virginia is the most unhealthy state in America. The mountain state tops the chart for obesity, poor physical health, poor mental health, and activity limitations.

Why? Researchers blame lack of available healthy retailers.

How can we fix it? Show. Teach. Educate. Encourage.

First it takes a decision.

(ONLY to be made by the individual).

Show them what’s possible!

Teach them about living intentionally; mindfulness and awareness.

Educate them on the importance of protein/proper portion sizes/calories.

Encourage individuals to “Eat for your frame”. The body needs 10 calories per pound.