Camilla Herndon
Rural Health & Nutrition Agent
Greenville & Laurens Counties
In October 2025, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) invited the Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition (RHN) team to participate in a pilot program to address obesity care and treatment. The Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition team was one of 10 selected organizations for the obesity care program.
Obesity is a prevalent condition. In 2024, approximately 2 in 5 adults in the United States had obesity. In previous years, 1 in 4 U.S. adults had obesity, indicating an increase in new cases. While some believe that obesity is caused by a lack of willpower, poor eating habits, or a lack of physical activity, these beliefs are an inaccurate generalization. There are several factors outside of a person’s control that contribute to obesity, such as genetics, stress, grief, and trauma, medications, sedentary jobs, lack of access to healthcare, food deserts, and lack of safe spaces for recreation.
The Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Disease program, outreach of the Obesity Association™, a division of the ADA, focuses on understanding obesity as a chronic disease, addressing stigma, roadblocks to care, and evidence-based strategies for prevention and management. The program emphasizes why obesity treatments involve more than just an eating plan and physical activity. As of August 2026, Clemson Extension’s RHN Agent, Camilla Herndon, and RHN Associate, Danielle McFall, had facilitated 6 program sessions for communities across the Upstate.
If you or your organization is interested in the Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Disease program, check Eventbrite for upcoming sessions or email Camilla at herndo3@clemson.edu to schedule.
