CARTERVILLE - The word "obesity" is always followed by "epidemic" in the news, but how much does that epidemic affect Southern Illinois?

Statistics indicate that the region is affected heavily by the nationwide trend.

Perry County boasts a population that is 32 percent obese. The number of overweight Perry County residents - 33.9 percent - almost equals the 34 percent of residents who are classified as underweight or normal weight.

Surrounding counties aren't too far behind. Williamson County has more than 12,500 residents who are considered medically obese, which represents 27 percent of the population.

Jackson County fares only slightly better. Although more than 50 percent of the county is under or at a normal weight, 19.8 percent are classified as obese.

Obesity is defined as anyone with a body mass index greater than 30. Body mass index can be determined by taking height divided by weight squared and multiplying the resulting number by 703.

In hopes of getting a handle on the scope of the problem in Illinois, researchers are hosting a daylong Sept. 20 seminar at John A. Logan College.

"Tipping the Scale: Managing Obesity in Southern Illinois" will be sponsored by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and the SIUC Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development.

Heather Hartung, education coordinator for the Center for Rural Health, said the goal of the conference is to allow medical professionals to come together and discuss potential causes and solutions for the issue of obesity.

"The planning committee's goal is to provide a better understanding of the causes and effects of overweight and obesity and to present ideas for professionals to use as they try to improve individuals' health and well-being," Hartung said.

"This event will provide national quality speakers and information close to home, which makes it possible for local professionals to attend and receive necessary continuing education units."

James Hill, pediatrics and medicine professor at the University of Colorado Health Science Center and director of the Center for Human Nutrition, will present the keynote address that focuses on preventing obesity and strategies to address the problem.

Others speakers will include Dr. Tom Firestone, CEO of Southern Illinois Healthcare; Barbara Thompson from the Obesity Action Coalition Board of Directors and member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery; and Dr. Romaisa Firdose, assistant professor at the SIU School of Medicine and medical director of the SIU Comprehensive Obesity Management Program.

James Teufel, researcher with the Center for Rural Health, said obesity is being viewed as a problem deeply rooted in lifestyle and society rather than genetics.

"The rapid and significant changes in obesity rates among people in Illinois and the United States indicate that societal and lifestyle changes, not genetics, are the modifying factors responsible for obesity in the United States," Teufel said.

"Although genetics are a necessary component of the obesity epidemic, they are not sufficient in explaining the obesity shift in the United States. People must examine societal and lifestyle factors to best understand the obesity endemic or epidemic."

Those who register for the seminar by Aug. 15 will pay $65 for conference registration only or $95 for conference registration with Continuing Medical Education credits.

Registration after Aug. 15 will be $75 for registration only and $110 with credits.

More information or registration is available by contacting Hartung at 453-8455 or hhartung@siu.edu.

ashley.wiehle@thesouthern.com

529-5454 ext. 5807