According to a new research study that shows the occurrence of ill-health and that obesity is shifting rapidly to the poor, while less educated portions of the country.

This observation should be important to us all, other than a concern for our nation's health as a whole, is the economic strain this will place on our already burdened health care system.

By the year 2012, if this spiraling trend increases, the middle and upper classes will be looking at ever increasing taxes to fund proposed government plans to address the problem.

This is a challenge that flat-out should NOT exist. Everyone who can afford food at 'all' can easily eat healthy and exercise.

Part of the confusion is due to the fact that the multi billion dollar fitness industry has created a myth -- that expensive food supplements and organic foods are mandatory for good health.

While I believe in both, neither is mandatory.

It's the TYPE of food, and the COMBINATION of the foods that make all the difference -- that, and moderate calories, exercise, and proper mental attitude.

In a recent research study, Dr. Janet Collins of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had this to say --

"Populations are no longer equal in terms of experiencing health problems. Low-income populations tend to experience all the health problems we worry about at greater rates."

The five states with the highest obesity rates in the 2005 consensus include Mississippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Kentucky.

These same five states have higher rates of poverty than the national norm.

Meanwhile, the five states with the lowest obesity have less poverty. They are Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont.

The reason for this each of these states also has more college graduates and stronger education programs.

In addition, education in health and fitness does not need to be expensive, and it certainly does not take a scientific genius to figure it out.

However, many fitness professionals and nutrition 'gurus' add to the confusion.

If you visit a gym today, especially in bigger cities, you'll see a combination machines that, seriously, would give you a better workout if you tried to lift them up and move them out to the garbage dump.

It can be hard to figure out and confusing for anyone! But, this doesn't have to be the case. In fact, as so many people report in home body weight and small equipment purchase workouts can be done in your own home that will more than satisfy the needs of most people.

The same also goes for nutrition. While a few people may need more expensive foods (for medical reasons usually), a large majority of us can easily get the job done at the local grocery store.

The best way to inspire change is to create change in you. Start there, set the example, and the word will spread.

Everyone can be healthy and fit, and you can do it at ANY age, and you certainly do it at ANY income level above absolute poverty.

Yours in health,

Emile Jarreau