Obesity

Did You Know? is a weekly feature from the Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support to inform your prevention activities. We invite you to read, share, and take action!

View the Current Did You Know?

October 6, 2017

There are at least 13 different types of cancers associated with overweight and obesity, according to this month’s Vital Signs report.
Overweight- and-obesity-related cancers make up 40% of all cancers diagnosed.
States and communities are supporting comprehensive cancer control programs and partnering with leaders to make community changes that increase healthy eating and active living.

January 27, 2017

CDC’s newly released Winnable Battles final report shows meaningful improvements in key public health areas.
Since 2009, rates of teen births and youth and adult smoking have declined significantly, and between 2008 and 2014, central line-associated bloodstream infections in acute care hospitals decreased by 50%.
A color-coded dashboard shows where more work is needed, especially in obesity, foodborne illness, and motor vehicle injuries.

November 22, 2013

CDC’s Winnable Battles Progress Report, 2010–2015 [PDF-785KB] describes the progress being made in addressing these critical public health challenges.
CDC and partners are on track to decrease teen birth rates by 20% [PDF-420KB], reduce motor vehicle crash fatalities by 31% [PDF-453KB], and reduce certain healthcare-associated infections in hospitals by 60% [PDF-178KB] by the 2015 target date.
Identifying and focusing on Winnable Battles has helped promote progress. CDC will continue to work closely with partners at the national, state, and local levels to achieve Winnable Battle targets.

August 10, 2012

6 in 10 adults now report walking, making it the most popular form of physical activity.
Adult walkers are more likely to get their recommended 2½ hours (150 minutes) per week of physical activity.
are working to create more walkable communities.

April 6, 2012

More than one-third of U.S. adults [PDF-528KB] (35.7%) are obese.
Obesity costs this country about $150 billion a year — nearly 10% of the national medical budget.
HBO will air “The Weight of the Nation” documentary series on May 14-15.

October 21, 2011

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.
Schools can help students adopt healthy behaviors that are key to preventing obesity by implementing CDC’s new school health guidelines.
Presentation materials are available to help you promote and implement healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices for students.

October 21, 2011

Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.
Schools can help students adopt healthy behaviors that are key to preventing obesity by implementing CDC’s new school health guidelines.
Presentation materials are available to help you promote and implement healthy eating and physical activity policies and practices for students.

August 19, 2011

CDC released the 2010 School Health Profiles this week; there are substantial differences in what states, cities, and territories are doing to promote student health and well-being.
The majority of secondary schools in 13 states, for example, do not sell less nutritious foods and beverages; see how your jurisdiction is doing.
You can support youth in making healthy choices by helping schools establish and enforce strong nutrition standards.

April 29, 2011

This week CDC released the first Children’s Food Environment State Indicator Report.
Communities, child care facilities and schools all have roles to play to improve children’s food choices and influences.
CDC provides strategies and solutions to promote healthy eating and fight childhood obesity.

April 15, 2011

Minority health and school food are linked; learn how.
Black females and Mexican-American males experience the highest rates of obesity among people ≤20 years.
The HHS Disparities Action Plan, released last week, promotes evidence-based and integrated approaches to achieving health equity.