Health systems across the state shared information on strategies to steer employees, patients and visitors toward better food choices at a conference on Friday.
Many hospitals are taking a hard look at the food and drinks that are available to patients, staff and visitors. Several in Wisconsin are switching out soda for healthier options, and getting rid of fried food.
UW Health and Aurora Health Care are just a couple of the providers that have gotten rid of sugar-sweetened beverages. Hudson Hospital and Clinics has gone even further by eliminating artificially sweetened drinks.
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“There is some behavior change,” said Jean Weiler, a registered dietician at Hudson Hospital. “People who always got a sweetened beverage do make other choices. And I’ve also observed that really our sales have not gone down.”
As a major employer in many communities, hospital officials say they can have a large impact in reducing obesity.
According to America’s Health Rankings, 29 percent of adults in Wisconsin are obese.
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