COLORADO MAKES FITNESS MAGAZINE'S 'FIT 50' LIST

Lt. Gov. O'Brien attributes it to the state's beauty & commitment to health

 

Colorado will be featured in Fitness Magazine's November/December issue as it announces its Fit 50—the 50 biggest fitness, health, and wellness superstars of today who have made real changes in women's lives. The magazine says that the bright minds and groundbreaking ideas included in this first-time list have made 2008 the best year yet for health.

 

"Colorado is one of Fitness Magazine's "Fit 50" because people just enjoy being outdoors in the centennial state," Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien says.  

 

Lt. Gov. O'Brien is quoted in the magazine's November/December issue, which is being released later this week.  The list of 50 winners was compiled by the magazine's editors and advisory board and included individuals and places that have made significant contributions to health and wellness over the past 12 months.

 

Colorado is featured for being the "slimmest state" for 18 years, as documented by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Every year, the CDC ranks the states by their percentage of obesity. Colorado is the only state with an obesity rate under 20%. 

 

Lt. Gov. O'Brien chairs the Metro Denver Health & Wellness Commission and is a board member of LiveWell Colorado, a statewide nonprofit organization to fight obesity. She is an advocate for making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity.

 

Fitness Magazine cites Colorado residents' physical activity as one of the key reasons for its low obesity rate.

 

"It's so beautiful here – who wants to stay inside?" said Lt. Gov. O'Brien.

 

While Colorado claims the lowest obesity rate in the country, its obesity trend is upward. As a result, Lt. Gov. O'Brien notes that the state's culture and a continued emphasis on health and wellness will be important in turning around that trend. "We need to keep walking, biking, hiking, skiing and take advantage of the outdoor opportunities and gorgeous year-round Colorado weather to maintain a healthy population," O'Brien said.