PARK HILLS, Ky. -- The Tri-state is getting fatter, particularly in Kentucky and Indiana.

With classes back in session in many school districts, students and schools are focusing on more than academics.

What’s on the menu has to make the grade, too.

“We fry as few items as possible,” said Mary Lenihan, food services director at Covington Catholic High School.

Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio are all among the 20 fattest states in the nation, and Kentucky ranks seventh.

School districts play a crucial role in curbing the fat trend by helping to establish good habits for young people.

We offer a deli sandwich – turkey, fat-free ham or a sub (with) lower amounts of cheese,” Lenihan said.

She hopes the healthy habits will carry over into adulthood.

“We put in light mayo and light ranch dressing, (and) they do not know,” she said. “They've been eating it for two years and didn't know we changed to the light version, but they are fine with that. Those are ways you can cut the fat.”

The other issue is exercise, and all states have passed laws recently that mandate physical activity or physical education for students.