As Obesity Rates Decline, TSET Offers Additional Resources to Improve Health
Statewide efforts to improve nutrition and physical activity are helping Oklahomans live healthier.
Obesity rates for adults and children are declining for the first time in years, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, known as TSET, is encouraging communities to build on that momentum and support Oklahomans seeking to live healthy lifestyles, including working more physical activity into their daily routines.
Regular physical activity lowers the risk of chronic disease and supports both physical and mental health. Health experts recommend adults get at least 30 minutes of activity each day and children and teens get about 60 minutes.
Through its Shape Your Future program, TSET provides practical tools for families and partners with communities to expand safe opportunities to be active, especially in rural areas.
“TSET was created to focus on prevention because real change takes time,” said Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director. “By supporting evidence-based programs that improve nutrition and increase physical activity, we can help sustain these gains and build a healthier future for our state.”
Oklahoma’s adult obesity rate declined from 40% in 2022 to 36.8% in 2024, while childhood obesity fell from 21.4% to 16.9%.
Health leaders say the shift reflects steady work across the state. Schools have strengthened wellness efforts, communities have expanded safe places to walk and play and state and local partners have focused on prevention strategies that make healthy food and physical activity more accessible. TSET has supported that work through long-term investment in programs designed to reduce obesity and tobacco use.
April brings added focus to the issue. National Move More Month and National Walking Day highlight the role physical activity plays in preventing chronic disease and supporting long-term health.
“Moving more and striving for better health doesn’t require a gym membership or expensive equipment,” Bisbee said. “Shape Your Future offers ideas that are free, easy and that any Oklahoman can start on today.”
Oklahomans can find free tools and ideas for adding more movement to their day at ShapeYourFutureOK.com.
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Shape Your Future is a community health education intervention that encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free. Shape Your Future strives to educate parents, teachers, caregivers and all Oklahomans on how to make the healthy choice the easy choice. Find more information online at ShapeYourFutureOK.com.
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is building a healthier future for all Oklahomans. As a state grantmaking entity, TSET supports community programs, public health initiatives and research to prevent the leading causes of chronic disease. TSET grants and partnerships help to reduce tobacco use, improve nutrition, advance medicine and increase access to active, healthy living. Created by voters and funded by the Master Settlement Agreement, TSET is creating lasting change in schools, workplaces and communities across the state. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/TSET.
TSET – Better Lives Through Better Health