Reports

This section provides links to key reports and recommendations that serve as the foundation for addressing physical activity.

Surgeon General Reports

Step It Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities pdf icon[PDF-1.27MB]external icon
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The goal of this report is to increase walking by working together to increase access to safe and convenient places to walk and wheelchair roll and to create a culture that supports walking for all Americans.

1996 Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The 1996 Surgeon General’s report was the first to address physical activity and health.

Vital Signs

Adults with Disabilities: CDC Vital Signs
Being physically active is one of the most important steps Americans of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities can take to improve their health. A new CDC Vital Signs™ report shows that adults with disabilities who get no physical activity are 50% more likely to have diabetes, stroke, heart disease, or cancer than those who get the recommended amount of physical activity.

More People Walk to Better Health: CDC Vital Signs
Find out how many Americans are walking their way to better health, and what can be done to make it easier for others to walk.

MMWRs

Recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWRs)

Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019
Supplements/August 21, 2020/69(1);64–76

Trends in Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Among Urban and Rural Dwelling Adults — United States, 2008–2017
Weekly/June 14, 2019/68(23);513–518

Walking for Transportation or Leisure Among U.S. Women and Men — National Health Interview Survey, 2005–2015.
Weekly, June 30, 2017/66(25);657–662
Also available: Walking for Transportation or Leisure MMWR Research Brief pdf icon[PDF-297KB]

Physical Inactivity Among Adults Aged 50 Years and Older — United States, 2014
Weekly, September 16, 2016/65(36);954–958
Also available: Physical Inactivity Among Adults 50 Years and Older MMWR Data Highlights

Adults Eligible for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Counseling and Participation in Aerobic Physical Activity — United States, 2013
Weekly, September, 25, 2015/64(37); 1047-1051

Declines in Student Obesity Prevalence Associated with a Prevention Initiative — King County, Washington, 2012
MMWR, February 21, 2014/63( 7); 155-157

Adult Participation in Aerobic and Muscle-Strengthening Physical Activities — United States, 2011
MMWR, May 3, 2013/62(17); 326-330

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