How do you make one of the fattest states in the union trim its waistline? Apparently by sitting it down at a computer and having it take health quizzes.

Last week, Michigan launched a free interactive Web site (michiganstepsup.org) geared towards teaching people how to make healthy choices. Among other things, the site focuses on fitness, nutritional eating and curbing health-deteriorating habits, such as smoking. It provides its viewers with assessment quizzes, places to track personal goals and progress, nutrition and exercise tips and other educational tools.

Although a wealth of health information already exists on the Internet, it's a good start in a state where 62 percent of the adult population is overweight or obese.

Of course, the state attributes this problem to a lack of exercise, poor nutrition and smoking.

In the bigger picture, the public's neglect of its health is costing health insurance companies millions, which in turn is crushing business, and thus we have the highest state unemployment rate and a lot of fat people without jobs. See the vicious cycle?

But fighting poor nutrition and lack of motivation to exercise is a much bigger job than a Web site can handle. It's going to take a more personal effort. Although the site is a good effort in what the state promises is just a "first step," we are waiting to see what else they have planned.

Some of those who suffer weight problems live in poverty and survive by living off the McDonald's dollar menu. They haven't the slightest clue about how to educate themselves, much less have Internet access to use the state's site. To these people, Michigan is providing a toll-free number to receive information by mail and promotional spots on billboards and at sporting events.

But why not skip the step of making people request this information? This is a statewide problem, so plan a statewide solution and give the information to everyone. Just because you are thin doesn't mean you are healthy, and everyone could benefit from a little education.

Also, the problem doesn't lie solely in the state's hands. A change in the food options available to people will make a real impact. Companies such as Kellogg's, who recently changed all their cereals to begin using whole grains, should be an example of the scale of reform that is needed.

With the federal government preparing to unveil a new food pyramid, or something similar, hopefully there will be enough excitement to see some results.