BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – West Virginia has enacted legislation aimed at combating obesity through a wellness initiative.
The Make West Virginia Healthy Act was signed by Governor Patrick Morrisey on February 28, 2026 and will go into effect on May 21, 2026. House Bill 4982 re-establishes the Office of Healthy Lifestyles within the Department of Health.
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The Office of Healthy Lifestyles is establishing voluntary partnerships with employers, restaurants, and businesses to promote healthy lifestyle programs and coordinate cross-agency health goals.
Rebekah Underwood, office manager at Beckley Area Medical Center, offered some tips about staying healthy.
“One is plate portions, make your plate a little smaller than usual. You don’t have to make big steps into it. Keep yourself hydrated with water. Exercise, a simple walk every day in the evening. Little things like that go a long way,” Underwood said.
The bill created a 13-member Healthy Lifestyle Coalition to coordinate public health programs.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 40 percent of West Virginians are considered obese.
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