Governor Jim Douglas has a new plan to fight obesity in the state.
Douglas wants to add 12 new prevention specialists across the state and by increasing grants for communities.
Health Care Reform Director Susan Besio says controlling obesity must be a part of the state’s long-term goal of reducing health care costs and keeping people healthier.
The Health Department says more than $140 million is spent every year to treat conditions attributed to adult obesity.
The governor’s obesity plan builds on the earlier Blueprint for Health, which emphasizes management of chronic illnesses; and the Fit and Healthy Kids program, which promotes physical activities for children as a way to reduce obesity.