Arkansas is the No. 1 most overweight state in the U.S., with 35.9% of the population overweight.

In Arkansas, nearly 760,000 adults are obese. Obesity increases the likelihood of stroke by 64 percent. In 2006, annual medical costs for obese adults were $1,429 more than for people of a healthy weight.

Source: StateOfObesity.org

Facing statistics like these, Gov. Asa Hutchinson recently debuted “Healthy Active Arkansas: A 10-Year Plan for Arkansas.” This plan aims to save the state money by encouraging Arkansans to lead healthier lives.

His plan sets forth nine priorities that include establishing healthier work environments for adults, adding healthier food and beverage options in schools and government offices, creating more opportunities for youths to get daily physical activity and promoting breastfeeding.

Learn more about the governor’s plan at HealthyActive.org.