WILLIAMSPORT --- In a national report, Pennsylvania is ranked the 28th healthiest state overall this year. Newswatch 16 spoke with some people who are getting off the couch and working to combat obesity with a healthier diet and exercise.
Kate McKernan took time to read the nutrition facts while shopping with Newswatch 16 at Wegman's on Williams street in Williamsport.
McKernan is a dietician at Susquehanna Health in Williamsport. She helps people eat and buy healthy.
"They're asking about how to read the nutrition facts label. There's a lot of facts on that, but it's hard to understand," said McKernan.
This month, the longest state by state analysis of the country's health, America's Health Rankings for 2014 was released.
The ranking shows that the obesity rate in America has more than doubled over 25 years, increasing slightly since 2013.
"We're definitely seeing a rise in obesity," said McKernan.
McKernan says try not to drink your calories, shop the perimeter of the grocery store, and stay away from too many sweets.
"I try to eat healthy, but I know that I don't and I know that I'm immediately distracted say by their cake section when I walk through the pastries and it's pretty hard not to look that way,” said Joe Cesa from South Williamsport.
Making healthy choices doesn't just stop when you put the right foods into your grocery cart. American Public Health Association says people are exercising and moving around less than they did last year.
At the YMCA in Williamsport there are plenty of people staying active like Randolph Hill of Williamsport.
"I was like 289 taking 3 pills a day now I’m like 250 taking 1 pill a day," said Hill.
The executive director at the YMCA was exercising, too. He says getting up can be the hardest part.
"It is difficult and I would say to that, don't be afraid and take baby steps," Troy Weaver the Branch Executive Director.
"You can. If you chose to, you can,” said Hill.
