Lee County obesity on the rise

FORT MYERS,Fla.- Southwest Florida is tipping the scales in the wrong direction.

A new study shows two out of three people in Lee County are overweight or obese and it’s not just adults packing on the pounds.

“Our kids don’t even like coming to the playground,” said Yanely Fernandez.

Fernandez says her children are all about the electronics.

“They are very attached to the electronics. They want to be around electronics all day,” said Francisco Fernandez.

That can be bad, says Fernandez, because they want to make sure their kids don’t gain weight and become obese.

“We didn’t have electronics so we used to be on bicycles and riding around and jumping around all the time.”

A brand new study out by the Florida Department of Health puts Lee County above the state average for obesity, finding every two out of three people are either obese or overweight.

“The study also found that 25 percent of people in Lee County are considered sedentary, spending a lot of time inactive.

That is shocking for Lindsey Guzman.

“Everywhere you go there are fitness places, right here for example we are in the park, walk the beach,” said Guzman.

“It is staggering to think that two out of three people are obese or overweight, but if you look at the national average it may be right in tune with what some of the other states are facing,” said registered dietician Betsy Opyt.

Opyt say obesity can be carried very differently in different people.

“So if you look at your measurements of your body and your waist circumference is larger than your hip circumference, I would say you are strongly at risk or already considered obese,” said Opyt.

Opyt also says to get moving, even if it’s staggered throughout the day and eat healthier.

“What goes in to your cart goes in to your home and what goes in your home goes in your mouth,” said Opyt.