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Home > Campaigns > Health & Safety > Obesity Prevention

Obesity Prevention FULL

Campaign Information
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Obesity Prevention

Sponsor Organization: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Campaign Website: www.smallstep.gov
Volunteer Agency:  McCann-Erickson New York


Nearly two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Obesity rates have increased by more than 60% among adults over the last 10 years. As a result, the health of the nation is getting progressively worse with consequences including increased risk for heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.

When it comes to losing weight and fighting these diseases, many don’t realize that seemingly difficult behaviors such as eating healthy and exercising regularly can be made easier and attainable through small changes to their everyday lives.  There are hundreds of small steps that Americans can incorporate within their busy lifestyles to begin moving themselves and their families toward health.

These PSAs, an extension of the successful Small Steps campaign, aim to inspire overweight adult Americans to adopt healthy habits for themselves and their children through healthy eating, portion control, and increased
physical activity. Viewers are encouraged to visit www.smallstep.gov to learn more about small steps they can take toward a healthier lifestyle. 

More than 100 Small Steps can be found at the website, here's just a few of them:

  • Take the stairs instead of the escalator.
  • Try smaller sized items when snacking or eating out.
  • Get of the bus a stop early and walk.
  • Portion out your snack on a plate, not from the bag.
  • Park farther from your destination and walk.
  • Order your latte with fat-free milk.

A companion campaign, Childhood Obesity Prevention, which targets kids directly, was launched in November 2005.