Overweight & Obesity
Obesity is a common, serious, and costly chronic disease of adults and children. CDC’s Overweight and Obesity efforts focus on policy and environmental strategies to make healthy eating and active living accessible and affordable for everyone.
Defining childhood overweight and obesity, facts, causes and health consequences
Defining adult overweight and obesity, facts, causes and health consequences
Obesity prevention strategies to create an environment that supports healthy lifestyles
Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration Projects (CORD), Clinical and Community Data Initiative (CODI), COMMIT!
Latest statistics on U.S. obesity, maps , interactive databases and data systems
Reports, prevention strategies and guidelines, fact sheets, social media tools

Maintaining a healthy weight contributes to good health now and as you age.

Check out the latest state initiatives related to nutrition, physical activity, and healthy weight.

Spanish language resources for healthy weight, nutrition, and physical activity.
In the Spotlight
We encourage the use of person-first language and respectful images when discussing obesity and other chronic diseases. For example, say “adults with obesity” or “20% of children ages 12-19 have obesity” rather than “obese adults” or “20% of children are obese”.
The Obesity Action Coalition has more information – please see the Guidelines for Media Portrayals of Individuals Affected by Obesity [PDF-1.72MB].