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Decrease Obesity

One strategy to both prevent and reduce obesity is to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables

Who eats the most fruits and vegetables?

Statewide, about 15% of Mainers eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day.  There are variations in this rate by county (see “Interactive Maps” tab) and by demographics.   Twice as many women as men eat 5+ vegetables per day and those with an income above $50,000 have twice the rate than those earning less than $15,000.

The largest disparity, however, is by education.  Three times as many college graduates ate 5+ fruit/vegetable per day compared to adults with less than a high school education.

Those reporting the highest number of poor mental and physical health days had the lowest percentage of 5 or more vegetables per day consumption.

Why 5+ fruits and vegetables?


Clinical Strategies

  • Provide and expand standardized assessments for adults and children.
  • Identify those at higher risk for overweight, obesity and related diseases.
  • Implement patient interventions and treatment plans.
  • Improve patient/family engagement in treatment options and care plan.

Community Strategies

  • Improve community engagement in interventions.
  • Implement evidence-based programs and promising practices.

Policy Strategies

  • Implement policy and environmental changes that expand access to physical activity and healthy eating among adults, youth and children.
    • Employers
    • Schools
    • Built Environment
  • Align reimbursement policy to support prevention and intervention efforts.
  • Decrease Obesity Logic Model (Version 1.0, 8-22-14)

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  • 2009 Kindegarten and Third Grade Report

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  • 2010 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) funded by OneMaine Health Collaborative

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  • 2010 Health Index Report

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  • 2011 Grade 5 – 6 Report

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  • 2011 Health Index Report

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  • 2011 High School Report

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  • 2011 Kindergarten and 3rd Grade Report

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  • 2011 Middle School report

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  • 2012 Health Index Report