Introduction
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Since the mid-seventies, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has
increased sharply for both adults and children. Data from two NHANES
surveys show that among adults aged 20–74 years the prevalence of
obesity increased from 15.0% (in the 1976–1980 survey) to 32.9% (in the
2003–2004 survey).
The two surveys also show increases in overweight among children and
teens. For children aged 2–5 years, the prevalence of overweight
increased from 5.0% to 13.9%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence
increased from 6.5% to 18.8%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence
increased from 5.0% to 17.4%.
These increasing rates raise concern because of their implications for Americans’ health. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
- Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
- Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
Although one of the national health objectives for the year 2010 is to reduce the prevalence of obesity among adults to less than 15%, current data indicate that the situation is worsening rather than improving. This site provides a variety of information designed to help people understand this serious health issue and the efforts being made to address it.
Selected Resources
Achieving a Balance:
Reaching and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Whether you want to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, it’s
important to understand the connection between the energy your body takes
in (through the foods you eat and the beverages you drink) and the energy
your body uses (through the activities you do).
Weight Management Research to Practice Series
The Weight Management Research to Practice Series is a series designed to
summarize the science on weight management topics for health
professionals. An overview of the science will be compiled into a summary
document appropriate for public health professionals, including
implications for practice. In addition, each installment in the series
will be accompanied by a tool geared toward a lay audience, which can be
used by health professionals in practice.
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last updated: March 4, 2008
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
