Introduction

		NEW! Healthy Weight
		Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight isn't just about a "diet" or "program". It is part of an ongoing lifestyle that you can adopt now and stay with for years to come.  more on healthy weight
		Nutrition
		Proper nutrition is critical to good health. But identifying which foods you need for a healthy diet can be challenging. These resources can help you get started.  more on nutrition
		Physical Activity
		Regular physical activity reduces the risk for many diseases, helps control weight, and strengthens muscles, bones, and joints.  more on physical activity
		Overweight and Obesity
		Increases in obesity — among both adults and children — have prompted concern about the implications for Americans' health.  more on overweight and obesity

CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) takes a public health approach to address the role of nutrition and physical activity in improving the public's health and preventing and controlling chronic diseases. The scope of DNPAO activities includes epidemiological and behavioral research, surveillance, training and education, intervention development, health promotion and leadership, policy and environmental change, communication and social marketing, and partnership development.

For Health Professionals	For Everyone
• Nutrition • Physical Activity • Overweight and Obesity • Weight Research to Practice • State-based Programs • Breastfeeding	• Healthy Weight • BMI - Body Mass Index • Nutrition • Physical Activity • Fruits and Veggies Matter

Featured Items

You can add this widget to your Web site to let anyone calculate their Adult Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. This calculator provides BMI and the corresponding weight category. Use this calculator for adults, 20 years old and older. Get the code on the CDC Widgets Page.

State and Territory Base Awards for Policy and Environmental Change
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today awarded more than $119 million to states and U.S. territories to support public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease smoking. This prevention and wellness initiative, Communities Putting Prevention to Work,  is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The Surgeon General's Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation 2010
In her first release to the nation, the Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin highlights the alarming trend of overweight and obese Americans, and asks all Americans to join her in a grassroots effort to commit to changes that promote the health and wellness of our families and communities.

Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among US Adults, 1999-2008
Prevalence of adults in the U.S. who are obese is still high, with about one-third of adults obese in 2007-2008, although new data suggest that the rate of increase for obesity in the U.S. in recent decades may be slowing, according to a new CDC study appearing in the January 20 issue of JAMA.

Prevalence of High Body Mass Index in US Children and Adolescents, 2007-2008
The prevalence of high weight for length or high body mass index (BMI) among children and teens in the U.S. (i.e., at or above the 95th percentile), ranges from approximately 10 percent for infants and toddlers, to approximately 18 percent for adolescents and teenagers, although these rates appear to have remained relatively stable over the past 10 years, except for an increase for 6- to 19-year-old boys who are at the very heaviest weight levels, according to a CDC study appearing in the January 20 issue of JAMA.

The State Indicator Report on Fruits & Vegetables, 2009 provides national and state-specific information on fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption and policy and environmental supports. The behavioral indicators are derived from objectives for F&V outlined in Healthy People 2010. The policy and environmental indicators measure a state's ability to support the consumption of F&V through increased access, availability, and reduced price in schools and communities. The report can be used to inform decision makers and track progress.
The National Action Guide (PDF-160k) summarizes the national data on F&V consumption, policy, and environmental supports and provides potential actions that government and business leaders, coalitions, community-based organizations, and professionals can take to improve Americans' nutrition along with resources for taking action.

Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States
Also available in a PDF version (PDF-375k)
This report contains 24 recommended obesity prevention strategies focusing on environmental and policy level change initiatives that can be implemented by local governments and school districts to promote healthy eating and active living.
To assist local governments, states, and policy makers implement the CDC recommended obesity prevention strategies and report on the associated measurements a detailed Implementation and Measurement Guide (PDF-2.5Mb) was developed. The guide includes measurement data protocols, a listing of useful resources, and examples of communities that successfully implemented each obesity prevention strategy.

At A Glance 2009 — Obesity, Halting the Epidemic by Making Health Easier

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