As the obesity epidemic continues to grow, a new initiative is launching in Tennessee designed to stop the personal average weight gain of one to three pounds per year, and to reduce the health risks associated with being overweight. The program is called Tennessee On the Move (TOM) and was recently granted $500,000 from the US House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations for its first year of operations.

 Tennessee On the Move is an innovative, grassroots initiative that provides simple tools to increase physical activity and decrease calorie consumption by providing step counters and informational materials to both individuals and groups. TOM also coordinates special events throughout the state.  Tennessee On the Move encourages participants to "step" towards a healthier lifestyle by walking more and eating more healthfully.    

 Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), co-founder of the Congressional Fitness Caucus, and the Member of Congress responsible for securing Tennessee On the Move's funding is a strong supporter of the program. "I encourage everyone in my district and my state to participate in Tennessee On the Move because few things impact quality of life more than physical fitness and good health."

Tennessee On the Move is an Affiliate of America On the Move (AOM), a national initiative launched in July of 2003 that encourages Americans to walk an extra 2000 steps a day and eat 100 fewer calories a day. Based on research conducted by Dr. James Hill, AOM founder and director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado, doing so is enough for most Americans to create a balance between energy expenditure and food consumption. America On the Move Affiliates strive to build health-promoting communities that support and engage individual behavior changes. 

At a ceremony in the Nation's capitol today, government officials endorsed the program and praised Tennessee On the Move for launching this much needed initiative in the state. Rep. Wamp attended the ceremony, demonstrating his support for Tennessee On the Move.

In the first year, Tennessee On the Move will focus on building a strong statewide coalition to deliver its message to the major metropolitan areas in Tennessee, including Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City. TOM will reach Tennessee residents through worksites, social and religious communities, neighborhoods and schools, sharing with them with the details of the program and providing them with the tools they need to change their habits.

According to a survey conducted in 2002 by the Centers for Disease Control, 33.6 percent of Tennessee residents had not participated in any physical activities over a one month period. What's more, more than 60 percent of Tennesseans are at risk for health problems related to being overweight. In 2002, 36.8 percent of people in Tennessee were overweight and 24.5 percent were obese. This number represents an increase over 2001, when 23.4 percent of Tennesseans were considered obese. The national average for obesity is 22.2 percent.

"The best thing about Tennessee On the Move is that it encourages small, positive changes that are easily attainable and not overwhelming," said Dr. Michael B. Zemel, Director of Tennessee On the Move and Director of the Nutrition Institute and Professor of Nutrition and Medicine at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. "Tennessee On the Move does not require a gym membership, expensive equipment, or a drastic change in diet; it simply requires adding 2000 steps to a day and eliminating 100 calories. This is something we all can do." 

Tennessee On the Move joins several other states encouraging residents to move towards a healthier and more active lifestyle.  Other America On the Move Affiliates announced today include Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Santa Barbara County, CA, Saratoga County, NY, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. AOM plans to announce at least eight more Affiliates by August 2004 and have one in every state within the next few years. Affiliates carry out the AOM mission in states and cities across America by encouraging people to participate in AOM programs and events.

The University of Tennessee in Knoxville was fundamental in bringing Tennessee On the Move to fruition and is the lead organization supporting and facilitating the initiative. For more information and program updates, visit the Tennessee On the Move Web site at www.americaonthemove.org/tn

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