Why It Matters

Obesity is Common, Serious, and Costly

Obesity impacts our nation’s health, economy, and military readiness.

Almost 1 in 5 children and more than 1 in 3 adults struggle with obesity.

1 in 5 children and more than 1 in 3 adults struggle with obesity.

2 in 5 young adults

Only 2 in 5 young adults are weight eligible and physically prepared for basic training.

Children with obesity are more likely to have obesity as adults.

Children with obesity are more likely to have obesity as adults.

Adults with obesity have higher risk for developing:

Adults with obesity have higher risk for developing: Heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and Type 2 diabetes

Obesity costs the US healthcare system nearly $173 billion a year.

Obesity costs the US healthcare system $147 billion a year.

Americans don’t eat healthy enough or get the right amount of physical activity:

Fewer than 1 in 10 children and adults  eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables.

Fewer than 1 in 10 children and adults eat the recommend daily amount of vegetables.

1 in 4 youth

Fewer than 1 in 4 youth get enough aerobic physical activity.

1 in 4 adults

Just 1 in 4 adults meet physical activity guidelines.

Many Americans lack heathy, affordable foods and places to be active.

Only 46%26#37; of Americans live within half a mile of a park

More than half of Americans do not live within half a mile of a park.

Nearly 30 million Americans live in neighborhoods without easy access to affordable nutritious food

40% of all US households do not live within 1 mile of healthier food retailers.

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