 |
 |
|
|
May 2012
|
|
Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
Good nutrition, physical activity, and a healthy body weight are essential parts of a person’s overall health and well-being. Together, these can help decrease a person’s risk of developing serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and types of cancer. A healthful diet, regular physical activity, and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight also are paramount to managing existing health conditions so they do not worsen over time.
|
|
Challenges and Successes
Between 1999–2000 and 2009–2010, the obesity rate increased by 17% among adults age 20 and over from 30.5% (age adjusted) to 35.7%. During this same time period, the obesity rate among children and adolescents age 2 to 19 increased by 22% from 13.9% to 16.9%.
Physical activity and a healthful diet can help control weight, in turn reducing the risk of overweight or obesity. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide evidence-based nutrition information and advice for people age 2 and older. In 2001–2004, the mean daily intake by persons age 2 and older was 0.8 cup equivalents of total vegetables per 1,000 calories (age adjusted). This falls short of the Healthy People 2020 target, 1.1 cup equivalents per 1,000 calories.
In 2008, new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans were released and the Healthy People 2020 Physical Activity Leading Health Indicator reflects these guidelines. In 2010, the rate of meeting the physical activity guidelines for aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activity among adults age 18 and older increased by 13% from 18.2% (age adjusted) in 2008 to 20.6% in 2010, exceeding the Healthy People 2020 target. Meeting the Healthy People 2020 target for this objective is an important initial step in addressing physical activity among Americans. However, continued progress is necessary in order to achieve success in this area.
|
|
Leading Health Indicators
Leading Health Indicators are critical health issues that—if tackled appropriately—will dramatically reduce the leading causes of death and preventable illnesses.
|
|
Who’s Leading the Leading Health Indicators?
School-Based Intervention Promotes Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
|
|
The childhood obesity epidemic in America is a national health crisis. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in 2009–2010, 16.9% of children between ages 2 and 19 in the United States were classified as obese. Since 1980, obesity rates among children and adolescents have nearly tripled.
The Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH) program is considered a leading example of a program that has demonstrated improvements to health behavior among children through the promotion of physical activity and healthy food choices. CATCH works to build an alliance of parents, teachers, child nutrition personnel, school staff, and community partners to help teach children and their families how to establish healthy habits. This evidence-based health program…
|
|
Reference in this bulletin to any specific product, process, service, organization, or company does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
|
|
|
|
 |
