NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Five of Tennessee's historically black colleges and universities are starting obesity awareness campaigns with help from the state Health Department.
The programs are tailored to the needs of the individual schools but share a common theme: awareness of the problem and ways to become healthier. Health officials hope to catch the students early enough in life to foster changes that can improve lifelong health. Potential problems from obesity include diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attacks.
According to a news release from the Health Department, in 2011, Tennessee had the sixth highest rate of adult obesity in the U.S., and black non-Hispanic women had the highest rate of any group in Tennessee.
Campaigns are currently under way at Fisk University, Tennessee State University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Knoxville College and Lane College.
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