Joy in Healthy Living

Active Lives and Healthy Food for All Montanans

A group of friends are shown paddling their canoe through a lake.

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Welcome

Welcome to the story map page where we'll explore the connection between obesity and health in Montana through nutrition, physical activity, community health programs, and holistic healing practices. Many folks worry about their health, but staying healthy is something we can all do. By finding joy in our daily activities, we can stay motivated to lead active and healthy lives.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is focused on reducing and preventing obesity. This Joy in Healthy Living Story Map was made by public health experts to give the community strategies to live healthier lives, especially for kids and adults , and align with the goals of "A Healthier Montana."

We hope this map will encourage the community to explore healthy lifestyles through education about nutrition and exercise, access to healthy options, and support from family and friends. Keep scrolling for helpful tips and useful links.

A Note on Accessibility

The State of Montana attempts to make its information accessible to all individuals. If you use special adaptive equipment and encounter problems when using this website, please report them using the following contact information . We will let you know if the information is available in an alternate format.

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Active People, Healthy Nation is an HHS service mark. Use of Active People, Healthy Nation SM does not imply review, approval, or endorsement by HHS.

A group of people browse the stalls at the Farmers Market in Butte in July 2020.

Montana Health Stats

Montana, like many other states in the United States, is facing an obesity crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over the past few decades, the number of obese people in Montana has been slowly rising. As of 2022, approximately 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 8 high schoolers in Montana are obese. Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a health risk. Given the links between obesity and many chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, this is a worrying fact.

Also, being overweight is linked to several types of cancers . The American Cancer Society reports that being overweight or obese makes you more likely to get cancers like breast, kidney, and more. This is because having too much body fat can cause long-lasting inflammation, insulin resistance, and changes in hormone levels, all of which can make cancer more likely.

It is estimated that by 2030, 1 in 2 adults in Montana will be considered obese if current trends continue. This is a concerning figure because obesity affects people's health significantly and also puts a heavy strain on the healthcare system and the overall economy. Therefore, efforts must be made to treat the root causes of obesity and promote healthy lifestyles to prevent further increases in obesity rates in Montana and across the United States.

A QR code for the DPHHS prediabetes or diabetes screening risk test. — Scan with Your Cell Phone Camera

The (US) Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening people ages 35 to 70 with overweight or obesity for prediabetes and diabetes. Take the Montana prediabetes risk test by clicking the link or scanning the QR code .

Obesity

In Montana, 32% of adults had a BMI of 30 or greater. This ranged from 24% to 45% of adults across counties in the state. The 2024 County Health Rankings used data from 2021 for this measure.

Physical Inactivity

In Montana, 20% of adults reported participating in no physical activity outside of work. This ranged from 15% to 31% of adults across counties in the state. The 2024 County Health Rankings used data from 2021 for this measure.

Healthy Food Availability

Montana scored 8 out of a possible 10 on the food environment index, which includes access to healthy foods and food insecurity. This ranged from 4.4 to 9.3 across counties in the state. The average value across the country was 7.7. The 2022 County Health Rankings used data from 2019 & 2021 for this measure.

Access to Parks or Recreation Facilities

In Montana, 74% of people live close to a park or recreation facility. This ranged from 3% to 96% of people across counties in the state. The 2024 County Health Rankings used data from 2020, 2022, 2023 for this measure.

Obesity rates have risen across the country in the last ten years. You can see the changes from 2011 to 2019 on the map of the USA below. There are notable differences by race and ethnicity, with black adults, American Indian, and Alaskan native adults having higher obesity rates than others. Click for detailed information on obesity data from the CDC's 2023 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps include data on race, ethnicity, and age. Together, we can fight obesity in our communities and help those affected live healthier lives. Remember, you're not alone on this journey.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults by State and Territory provided by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2011 to 2019. The photo here is a GIF and each year of data is shown by changing colors to denote increases. Prevalence of obesity increases are seen. Some states start out green in 2011, many are in orange or red by 2019.

Explore Additional Data

Find Fresh Food

It's not always simple to find reasonably priced, fresh food nearby. For many individuals and families, getting access to wholesome food can be difficult, regardless of whether they live in a busy city or a rural area. However, there are resources and assistance available to help you locate food options that fit your budget and dietary needs. Use the interactive tools below to explore food resources in your area, including farmers' markets, food banks, and more.

Preparing Healthy Meals

Preparing healthy meals doesn't mean giving up your favorite foods entirely. It's all about balance and moderation. By choosing healthier options most of the time, you can still enjoy your favorite dishes while maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.

When you cook at home, you have control over the ingredients you use and the dishes you prepare. There are many ways to make your favorite meals with fresher and healthier ingredients, such as using whole grains instead of refined grains or swapping out high-fat ingredients for healthier alternatives. Simple substitutions are also an option, such as brown rice in place of white rice or baked potato chips in place of ordinary chips. The same holds true for beverages: replace one daily sugar-sweetened beverage with water or a healthy substitute.

By making small changes to your diet and incorporating more nutritious foods into your meals, you can improve your health and well-being without sacrificing the foods you love. Explore the resources below to learn more about preparing healthy meals and making healthier choices.

An American Indian family works together to prepare a healthy meal. A husband and wife are seen with grandma and their daughter.

Joy in Active Living

An American Indian woman is pictured sitting on a wooden boardwalk. She is doing a calf stretch.

In a world where we often spend too much time sitting and staring at screens, finding joy in being active has become important for many people. This can mean doing physical activities, enjoying the great outdoors, or just moving more in our daily lives. Being active doesn't just help us stay physically healthy; it also changes the way we think about movement, connection, and the simple pleasures of being in our bodies.

Regular movement can help with more than just obesity . It can also improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and strengthen bones. As you start to explore the joy of being active, you'll discover a world of possibilities. Every step, every breath, and every moment becomes a chance to live life to the fullest.

Find Exercise That's Right for You

We all have unique interests and abilities. Find the activity that works for you and brings joy to your life. Taking pleasure in your physical movements will keep you motivated. Click the following links as a starting point for learning about exercise that fits your needs and daily routine.

For people with chronic disease

For people with disability:

For safe exercise practices:

Try these other planning tools to track your progress:

Montana Park and Trail Locations

Find a Gym or Fitness Center

A group of men can be seen hiking through the woods in a mountainous region.

Community Health Programs

Community health programs and support from our neighbors are crucial for finding happiness and motivation in our lives. When we connect with others who have similar goals and interests, we create a supportive environment that encourages us to prioritize our health and well-being.

The interactive Montana Community Programs Map below highlights where the program is located. Explore these programs by selecting the blue program locators on the map or selecting the program thumbnails on the right. Topics include chronic disease education programs, exercise programs, Tobacco Quit Line, Cancer Screenings, and disability and health programs.

MonTECH: Improving Lives with Technology

Borrow assistive technologies and adaptive equipment, and receive free, supportive one-to-one training on any devices that we loan. MonTECH ships most items anywhere in Montana; free shipping and return shipping.

Diabetes Prevention Program

A 12-month lifestyle change program for individuals at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 84 percent of Montana counties are served by the National DPP with on-site, satellite, and distance learning locations.

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

DSMES is the ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skills, and ability necessary for prediabetes and diabetes self-care as well as activities that assist a person in implementing and sustaining the behaviors needed to manage his or her condition on an ongoing basis, beyond or outside of formal self-management training. Currently there are accredited DSMES programs in 25 counties across Montana.

Prevent T2 for All

A nationally recognized inclusive version of the traditional Prevent T2 or Diabetes Prevention Program.

Dining with Diabetes (DWD)

An evidence-based, 5 session program for those with type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, family or caregivers. Classes offered throughout Montana.

Healthy By Design

A collaboration to improve quality of life for people who live, learn, work, and play in Yellowstone County.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)

An 8-week exercise program to teach adults with arthritis effective and joint-safe moves.

Walk with Ease

A 6-week guided or unguided walking program to start or maintain a low-impact exercise program available to anyone. Click on the link below to view the Walk with Ease Program under the Arthritis Program.

CONNECT Montana

An online web-based referral system.

Healthy Community Living

The HCL Program provides trainings to organizations and individuals who want to facilitate curriculum-based workshops with community members with disabilities. The suite of workshops explore how health, wellness, and community participation goals can enhance quality of life. Workshop participants learn skills and receive facilitated support to put their goals into action.

MENU-AIDDS

Montana Disability and Health Program houses this program and will train group home and day program staff. The priority population is people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

14 Weeks to a Healthier You!

An internet-based fitness and nutrition program. The priority population is people with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions and more recently, people with intellectual and developmental disability.

Strong People Strength Training Program (SPST)

An evidence-based, 12- week strength training program designed specifically for older adults. Offered throughout Montana.

Bike Walk Montana

Making bicycling and walking safe and accessible for all in Montana.

Buy Eat Live Better (SNAP Program)

Buy Eat Live Better supports low-income Montanans in making the healthy choice through nutrition and physical activity.

5-2-1-0, Missoula

This program focuses on creating environments with access to activity, nutrition and social support.