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COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. – A national report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranks North Carolina as having the tenth highest rate of adult obesity in the country.

The report cites racial, ethnic, regional and income disparities as contributing factors. Earlier this year, the same, health-devoted organization ranked Columbus County as the unhealthiest out of 100 counties in the state.

It's not a title many are proud of, but a reality that they must face.

"I guess we fail to eat the right thing and exercise like we should," said Brenda Edwards, Chadbourn resident.

Columbus County Health Director Kim Smith says that it is a challenge for everyone to afford to buy gym memberships and healthy food, whereas fast food becomes an easy alternative.

"And that's an economic thing. If you've only got three dollars and that's all it's going to take to feed you lunch that day, that's probably what most of us would go in there and do," said Smith.

County Health Educator Sarah Gray said other counties in North Carolina are also dealing with similar problems that she encounters. In an effort to shape up as a community, the health department formed a task force program called Healthier Columbus, which is aimed at promoting health and wellness.

"You only have to make minor changes in life to have a healthy lifestyle," said Smith. "You know, taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator."

For anyone looking to get in better shape, Smith says that the same principal applies no matter where you live.

"Eat smart move more. It's the simplest thing that you can do," said Smith.