At least 30 percent of adults in Alabama are obese, according to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey.

Experts say, it’s not surprising that Alabama is one of 13 states topping the list this year. Many states on the list have higher poverty rates.

And while the CDC study shows that adults in Alabama are obese, the body mass index – a weight-to-height ratio – is dropping for children in low-income areas.

That’s happening for the first time because children fed through federal programs that provide food vouchers and other services are subjected to less saturated fats through a program change in 2009. The change also made it easier to buy fruits and vegetables and eliminated juice from infant food packages.

According to the study, the decline in childhood obesity is largely attributed to federal program requirements.

Taking poverty levels out of the issue, adults could stand to take a look at the drop in childhood obesity and follow along. More fruits and veggies coupled with less of the things that are bad for us will likely lead to a drop in pounds on the scale, and in turn, lower our chance of becoming susceptible to weight-related illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

If the kids can do it, so can we. Let’s make the choice based on willpower versus income.

Here’s to a change that will keep our community healthier and happier for years to come.