Public Health Scene

A new report from the Trust for America's Health finds that Minnesota kids have the lowest rate of obesity in the nation — tying with Utah at just over 23 percent.

In this installment of Public Health Scene, Jamie Stang, a nutrition expert and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, discusses the report and explains why Minnesota might be seeing lower rates.

She says several factors contribute to low obesity rates among Minnesota children. These include higher education levels, ethnic background, and socio-economic standards.

But, perhaps most important, Stang says: Minnesota kids are active.

Listen to Stang on Public Health Scene (5:45)

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Women with diabetes are 85 percent more likely to suffer from depression during or following pregnancy. That's according to research involving more than 50,000 women.

University of Minnesota epidemiologist Mark Pereira was a co-author of the study.

Pereira recommends that pregnant women, especially those with diabetes, consult closely with their doctor to ensure their health and the health of their baby.

Listen to Pereira on our Public Health Moment podcast

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A new report finds Minnesota kids have the lowest rate of obesity -- tying with Utah at just over 23 percent.

"It's wonderful to see Minnesota tied for the lowest spot. I think that's great news for us, but I don't think that that means we don't have work to do still," Jamie Stang, an assistant professor with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, told KARE 11 News.

Stang says several factors contribute to low obesity rates among Minnesota children, including: higher education levels, ethnic background and socio-economic standards.

The report is from the Trust for America's Health, a health advocacy group in Washington, D.C.

Download the report (PDF)

More from the Star Tribune

See the news story at KARE 11 News

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