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Defining the Problem, Preventing Chronic Diseases, Improving the Public’s Health
CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity is at the forefront of decreasing obesity in the U. S., including contributing to the decline in obesity among children ages 2-5. However, obesity still affects almost 1 in 5 children and 1 in 3 adults, putting people at risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Obesity costs the US health care system $147 billion a year and over a quarter of all Americans 17 to 24 years are too heavy to join the military. DNPAO protects the health of Americans at every stage of life by encouraging regular physical activity and good nutrition. We support the toddler eating healthy snacks and playing actively in child care, the student being able to walk to school, the mother who chooses to breastfeed, and the older adult who can walk safely and have access to healthy foods in their own neighborhood.
98 million Americans have obesity. Between 1980 and 2010, the percentage of people with obesity doubled among adults and tripled among children. Since 2010, rates have been steady, even declined among young children, but too many people still have obesity. Obesity reduces quality of life and increases individuals’ risk for other diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Obesity severely impacts the U.S. economy, approximately $147 billion in annual health care costs.The Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) supports healthy eating, active living, and obesity prevention by creating healthy child care centers, hospitals, schools, and worksites; building capacity of state health departments and national organizations; and, conducting research, surveillance and evaluation studies.
Download: At a Glance 2016[PDF-286KB]
Division Overview[PDF-7.36MB]This booklet provides an overview about how DNPAO works to keep Americans healthy and strong at every state of life.
Nutrition Factsheet[PDF-3.37MB]This fact sheet describes how DNPAO’s nutrition efforts support public health strategies and programs across the nation.
Physical Activity Factsheet[PDF-1.56MB]This fact sheet provides an overview of how DNPAO promotes increased access to safe and convenient places and opportunities for people to be physically active.
Obesity Factsheet[PDF-1.66MB]This fact sheet highlights DNPAO’s focus on evidence-based strategies to make healthy eating and active living accessible and affordable for all Americans.
DNPAO promotes healthy food and activity choices through environments that ensure the availability of free, good-tasting water, safe locations for physical activity, and healthier foods including affordable fruits and vegetables. Additionally, DNPAO promotes breastfeeding and helps reduce vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect nearly one-third of the world’s population.- Page last reviewed: August 18, 2017
- Page last updated: August 18, 2017
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