Portland is leading the way in the United States as the city with the lowest number of overweight adults in the country. In fact it came equal with Burlington for having the lowest rate according to the 2002 Center for Disease Control and Prevention survey The percentage of overweight men and women was 49.3% and the number of obese men and women was 15% ,second only to the city of Denver with 14.2%.

The obesity numbers in America are rising all the time and it is worth looking at Portand to see what the city is doing to make sure its people fare better than the rest of America. The city is known for having many parks and outdoor areas and it also has a farmers’ market selling fresh and health fruit and veg right in the middle of the city. The population consists of many professional people who take their health seriously and the place is small enough so that you can just about walk all over the city keeping its residents fit and active.

It seems that a city that is well planned and has pleasant outdoor space that encouarges people to walk around and take physical exercise can really help the obesity problem of the place. The city of Portland also has a lot of employers who pay for gym memberships for the people who work for them and there is a general high level of fitness and low level of obesity that can help to motivate other to do something about their weight.

Other cities need to sit up and take note of Paortland success and realise the importance of careful planning for open spaces and encouraging the consumption of fresh fruit and veg in community style markets. Accessibilty and safetly of the open spaces is very important for children too who need exercise like adults. Safety is important as it encourages people to walk more and to get outside rather then driving everywhere.