Poll Finds That Rural Californians Consider Obesity a Serious Issue

A majority of registered voters in rural regions of California said that obesity is a serious problem in their communities and across the nation, according to a poll from the Public Health Institute, AP/HealthyCal reports (Weintraub, AP/HealthyCal, 1/22).

Poll Details

The poll surveyed registered voters in 12 California counties, including:

Calaveras;
Humboldt;
Imperial;
Madera;
Mendocino;
Merced;
Monterey;
Shasta;
Siskiyou;
Solano;
Tulare; and
Tuolumne.

Poll Results

According to the poll, 94% of rural voters said that obesity is a serious problem in the U.S., while 84% said it is a serious problem in their community (Public Health Institute poll, January 2013).

When respondents were asked who should be involved in preventing obesity:

96% said physicians and nurses;
91% said local schools;
79% said food and beverage companies;
67% said employers; and
More than 65% said local, state and federal governments.

The poll also found that nearly 80% of rural voters said government spending that aims to keep people healthy is cost effective because it helps prevent diseases and curbs health care costs (AP/HealthyCal, 1/22). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.