sideObesityObesity in Ohio and in Franklin County is a continuing problem. In Franklin County, nearly one-third of adults (30.7 percent) are obese, compared to the national average of 27.6 percent. Even more alarming, 19.8 percent of children are considered obese, compared to 13.7 percent nationally.

People who are obese are at increased risk for many other health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is combating obesity in our community through a number of initiatives:
  • Research
  • Nutrition counseling and education at free and reduced-cost clinics and community agencies
  • Health screenings at churches, community events, health fairs and other public venues
  • School-based programs
  • Employer-based health events

Obesity Programs


Broad Street Food Pantry
Conducts food pantry client assessments

Columbus Neighborhood Health Center
Provides nutrition counseling and education to patients at Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers

Cooking Matters
Provides nutrition education and cooking demonstrations to community participants

Easter Egg Hunt: school supplies instead of candy
Gives away school supplies to needy children in lieu of candy in Easter eggs.

Evaluate menus for allergens and carbohydrate counting
Provides evaluation of menus for allergens and carbohydrate counting

Flying Horse Camps: Nutrition Education
Provides nutrition education to staff, food service employees and campers

Franklin County WIC: Nutrition Counseling
Provides nutrition counseling and education to WIC program participants

Nutritional materials for NCH
Develops and designs teaching materials used by clinical nutrition staff to educate patients

OSU Wellness Center
Provides nutrition counseling and education

Ronald McDonald House
Prepares meals for Ronald McDonald House families

St. Brigids Kildare School: Nutrition Education
Designs and implements nutrition education for grades K-6; health fair for staff

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