By Dr. Joseph Mercola
     with Rachael Droege

While obesity and overweight are certainly influenced by individual lifestyle choices, cultural factors also contribute. Naturally, these cultural factors are most apparent when you compare the obesity rates of different countries that have totally different diets and lifestyles, but the United States is a diverse place in itself, and each state has its own unique culture. In fact, states’ cultures are so different that where you live may be having a significant impact on your waistline.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following five states had the lowest rates of obesity in the country in 2001:

1. Colorado (14.4 percent)
2. Massachusetts (16.1 percent)
3. Vermont (17.1 percent)
4. Rhode Island (17.3 percent)
5. Connecticut (17.3 percent)

So should we should all pack up and move to Colorado? Well, that’s one way to look at it but it’d be much easier to identify the cultural factors that are likely making it easier for Coloradoans to stay fit, compared to, say, Mississippians (Mississippi is leading the country in obesity with a prevalence of 25.9 percent).

Factor #1: Climate

Quite simply, it’s easier to get out and be active if it’s nice outside. Certain areas are just too hot in the summers or too cold in the winters to go outside and exercise. But, if you live in an area that has a temperate year-round climate, you can go for a walk, run, bike ride or any other outdoor activity anytime you want.

Solution: If the climate is less than ideal, consider joining a health club or purchasing a couple of pieces of home exercise equipment. Both options provide a great alternative to the outdoors for exercise. For some, the experience of joining a gym is just what they need to get motivated to exercise. You get the benefit of a community of exercisers, which is a great way to meet other people who share your desire to get fit, and most health clubs offer personal trainers or other professionals if you need some workout advice.

Others prefer the convenience and flexibility of a home gym. While this option may not be feasible for some due to space issues, keep in mind that a couple of pieces of equipment can go a long way. I recommend a treadmill, which is great for walking on an incline or jogging, or an elliptical machine along with an appropriate size weight set to start.

Factor #2: Urban vs. Rural

If you live in an urban area chances are you rely on your own two feet for transportation as much as you can just to avoid the city traffic. You probably use some public transportation and are used to walking or bike riding several blocks to the grocery store or bus stop, and you may not even own a car.

Those in rural areas, on the other hand, may live miles from the nearest store and typically have no access to public transportation. If they are going to get anywhere, they will typically need to drive to get there.

Over time, the extra activity that city dwellers gain on a daily basis gives them an edge to curb obesity.

Solution: If it is not practical for you to walk or bike ride to run errands or do other tasks, then park as far away from your destination as possible. The extra time you spend walking across the parking lot will add up. Also, always take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, and take advantage of your rural location to go for long walks whenever you can squeeze them in.

Factor #3: Attitudes About Obesity

Certain areas of the country are much more accepting of extra weight. For instance, in the South local attitudes do not attach a negative stigma to being overweight the way they might in the West or Northwest.

These beliefs will certainly influence your own weight loss efforts. You may be less inclined to achieve a healthy weight if it is not a priority in your area of the country. Of course, living in an area that is overly obsessed with weight or weight loss could also negatively impact your weight loss efforts.

Solution: If you decide you want to lose weight, make the decision your own. Do not let the social stigmas in your environment overcome your own individual desire. Seek out a group of friends and family that will support you and encourage your decision, and consider using EFT to help overcome any subconscious emotional blocks that may be hindering your goals.

Factor #4: Social Scene

In certain areas of the country social events cater to overeating. From barbecues to potluck dinners, if the environment revolves around food it will certainly make it harder to stick to your nutrition plan.

Then there is the issue of buffets vs. cafés. If your only restaurant choice is an all-you-can-eat buffet, you will typically eat more, or at the very least be tempted to eat more, than if you can choose from a more health-oriented restaurant or café.

Solution: Make nutritious meals when you’re at home, and limit the number of meals you eat outside of your home. If you go to a buffet-style restaurant, don’t think you have to eat more than you normally would just because the food is there, and seek out healthy food choices that are right for your metabolic type.

As you become more in-tune with your personal goals for health, you may in fact find that your current cultural environment no longer suits you. If this is the case, moving to a different area of the country may be just what you need. Alternatively, you could become involved in your own community and seek to make some health-friendly changes such as starting a neighborhood walking club or health-food coop, or petitioning your city officials to make some walking or biking trails.

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