Battling the Bulge.

• Position: Brief Article

Being obese (or even just overweight) is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Obesity substantially raises the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions. There are many causes of obesity but the increased use of computers and televisions, easily accessible high fat and sugared foods, and neighborhoods designed for automobiles rather than pedestrians don't help.

About 55 percent of adults are overweight. Twenty-nine percent of adults are completely sedentary. State policies can encourage physically active communities by requiring side walks and bike paths in new housing developments; situating playgrounds and schools near homes; modifying zoning requirements to convert downtown areas into pedestrian-only malls; and building multi-use developments for easy access between work, play and home.

Indiana passed a resolution in 2000...