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 • State-based Programs • Breastfeeding	• Healthy Weight • BMI - Body Mass Index • Nutrition • Physical Activity • Fruits and Veggies Matter

Featured Items

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.

Obesity Prevalence Among Low-Income, Preschool-Aged Children 1998–2008
One of 7 low-income, preschool-aged children is obese, but the obesity epidemic may be stabilizing.

Differences in Prevalence of Obesity Among Black, White, and Hispanic Adults — United States, 2006–2008
Blacks had 51 percent higher prevalence of obesity, and Hispanics had 21 percent higher obesity prevalence compared with whites.

CDC's LEAN Works! - identifies science-based interventions that work to prevent and control obesity and provides the tools that employers need to take action. The Web site provides a variety of resources to employers including an obesity cost-calculator where employers can input employee demographic data to estimate the total costs associated with obesity and determine annual obesity-related medical costs for their companies.

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

The Weight Management Research to Practice Series
Designed to summarize the science on a weight management topic for health professionals and the lay audience.

The International Micronutrient Malnutrition Prevention and Control (IMMPaCt) Program works with global partners to contribute CDC skills and resources to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies (micronutrient malnutrition) among vulnerable populations throughout the world.

 

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