LOUISVILLE, Ky. - More Kentuckians are obese now than ever before. That's according to a study by Trust for America's Health. It found 36.6 percent of Kentuckians are obese.

Looking at the numbers from the study, Kentucky ranks fifth for obesity behind West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Since obesity is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, American Heart Association Kentuckiana executive director Ashley Mason is taking note. 

"We are a very unhealthy community on the broad scale of the nation," Mason said.

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health said obesity causes about one in five deaths in the United States, which is nearly as many as smoking.

With that in mind, Mason said there are lifestyle changes people can make to prioritize their health.

"It's simple and easy things like getting up and off the couch. Take a walk around the block. Think about making the healthy choice the default choice," Mason said.

In addition to getting regular exercise, Mason encourages everyone to eat a balanced diet. One way to do that is making sure you get more color on your plate with fruits and vegetables.

Louisville resident Geraldine Spalding was out at the Kentuckiana Heart Walk Saturday. At the event, hosted by the American Heart Association, Spalding went to health vendors to get as much information as possible. She said she has been making healthier choices for a few years now and will continue doing so.

"I'm wanting to extend my life as much as possible," Spalding said.

Spalding said she would like to see others join her in creating new, healthy habits.