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Health official: 63.5% of Idaho adults are overweight

Russell Duke told legislative budget writers that 30% of third graders are overweight and risk early problems with diabetes and high blood pressure.
Credit: KTVB file
Taking a patient's blood pressure.

BOISE, Idaho — An official with Idaho's public health districts says 63.5% of adults in the state are overweight. 

Russell Duke also told the Legislature's budget-setting committee Friday that 30% of third graders are overweight and risk early problems with diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Duke also says 250,000 adults in Idaho smoke, and that vaping has overtaken smoking among young people. 

Duke was before the committee representing the state's seven health districts. 

The districts are seeking a budget of about $13 million, about $2.5 million more than recommended by Republican Gov. Brad Little. 

The districts work to prevent disease, premature death and to promote healthy lifestyles.

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