The latest news on fitness came out this week; and it mentioned that two-thirds of Americans weigh too much, and that the numbers are increasing. The survey showed that the rate of obesity increased last year in 31 states.

While some states were ranked low in percentage of overweight (Colorado has 17.6 percent), all states showed an increase in overweight citizens. Texas came in 12th with 26.3 percent of our population in the overweight/obese category. There is a PowerPoint presentation shown to groups about the way our population gained weight. It started back in 1985, with a few states showing up in a light blue color as having 12 percent of the people overweight. In fact, 15 years ago no state had over 15 percent overweight. Then, as the years go by, more and more states were added to the color chart. Then a few states went over the 15 percent level, and a new color was added to the chart.

As the 1990s went along, a few states jumped over 20 percent and another color was added to the map of the states. Early in the 2000 era, some of the states made the advance to 25 percent overweight and obese, and yet another color was brought in. By now, all states had some color. This year, 2007, for the first time, Mississippi became the first state to go over 30 percent; and a new color will have to be added to the map.

While Texas ranked 12th in the obesity for overall population, the survey also did a listing of children from the ages of 10 to 17 years.

The survey showed that Texas ranks fifth in this category, with 19.1 percent of our children in the overweight category. First in this category was West Virginia, with a 20.9 percent obesity rate among children, Wyoming and Utah had only 8.7 percent and 8.5 percent respectively for obese children. But with a higher percentage of children in the obese category, it seems a logical progression that, as these kids grow into adulthood, our ranking in the obese category will also go up. West Virginia will be in trouble in future years, as that state was ranked second overall with 29.8 percent.

The survey also mentioned that Texas also ranked poorly in physical activity, with 27.4 percent of adults not engaging in any physical activity. That means that one out of four people in Texas do not do any exercise at all and are sedentary most of the time.

Overall, the United States is in a real health crisis, and it seems to be getting worse instead of better. A statement from the researchers mentions, “The nation is in the middle of a public health crisis that is deteriorating rapidly, and we are treating it like an inconvenience.”

It is easy to talk to a person who exercises, or at least does some form of physical activity; but the hard part is getting that 27.4 percent of the people who do no exercise to start a program that will be a benefit for them. There are television programs that have had specials on the problems of overweight and obesity. Newspapers report the findings; magazines have entire issues on the problem. Physical education teachers try to convince administrators and school boards about the seriousness of the problem while they are cut back on the time spent in physical education classes; and yet there are still some people who seem to not really take these issues with a serious attitude. The reports are stating that this young generation will be the first to live sicker and die younger than their parents. When it comes down to being sick more and dying at a younger age, it seems like that should be a real wake-up call to begin an exercise program.

To help you get started with an exercise program, why not begin by joining in a group of fun runners and other exercisers from San Marcos who will be busy in the next few weeks with a chance to walk, jog or run in a race right here in the city. The runs are fun, and you get a great shirt to wear and a chance to start a running program.

First up is the Country Roads 10K & Kids Run on September 15th at the Country Estates subdivision out on Ranch Road 12. This year, the shirts will be a long-sleeved Dri-Release shirt that is worth the entry fee of $20 for pre-registration. There are great door prizes after the race; and if you feel inclined to jump in the pool to cool off after the run, that is also an option. The race starts at 8 a.m. with the Kids Run of 0.86 miles starting at 9 a.m.

Following that is the Pet Fest 5K on September 29th down at City Park for a run along the River Walk trail; and if you want to pace your pet along the way, you are welcome to do that also.

On October 6th, the “From Here to Eternity 5K” run through the cemetery will be held. This is a challenging course, but it offers some great awards and is a good run to get some exercise in.

Then, on October 20th, the Red Ribbon 5K is held out at the River Ridge complex; and that is a very flat and fast course that David Alexander went out and certified to make sure it is an accurate distance. This usually has a good turnout; and the kids’ part of the run is well worth the participation in this event.

All in all, let’s see if we can change the trend that seems to be affecting our country, and see if we can drop the percentages down the other way to a slimmer and more fit population here in Texas - and especially here in San Marcos. At least we can do our part in helping out.