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According to the Center for Disease Control, more than one-third (78.6 million) of the adults in the United States are obese. In 2013, Kentucky was ranked fifth in self-reported obesity statistics with several states trailing behind. 

When seeking refuge from this devastating health concern that has touched almost half of our nation, it is imperative to look at what we are putting into our bodies. Although obesity can be genetic, it is caused from not taking the proper nutrition into our bodies. We can begin to solve this epidemic by starting right here at WKU. 

The most well known healthy options offered on campus are Subway and The Fresh Food Company. These two selections, although offering healthy choices, lack diverse foods that are needed for students to continue to eat there. Eating a sandwich every day is sure to bore anyone. The Fresh Food Company, being the healthiest option for students, do not provide meals that are always appetizing. 

While the nutritious choices on campus seem slim, there are many ways to accomplish staying healthy. Almost every food place on campus offers healthier alternatives to the things that are already on their menus. For example, Chick-Fil-A includes a grilled chicken sandwich option that is found on the meal plan. Eating grilled chicken versus fried chicken is a simple change you can make to decrease the amount of calories you are consuming. 

Another alternative in avoiding unhealthy food found on campus is to lessen the amount of meal plans you have. Doing so will save you money, which can be used to purchase healthier dorm-friendly food from the grocery. 

If the only things that students put into their bodies are foods high in sodium, fat content and artificial preservatives, it will only be a matter of time before the repercussions come raining down over WKU. It can only benefit the student body if the healthier options are promoted more aggressively. There are plenty of opportunities to eat healthy on campus— you just have to know where to look.