Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity

		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) utilizes 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 leadership, policy and guidelines development, surveillance, epidemiological and behavioral research, intervention development, technical assistance to states and communities, training and education, communication, and partnership development.

For Health Professionals	For Everyone
• Nutrition • Physical Activity • Overweight and Obesity • Weight Research to Practice • State-based Programs • Breastfeeding	• Healthy Weight • BMI - Body Mass Index • Nutrition • Physical Activity • Fruits and Veggies Matter

Featured Items

Addressing Obesity Disparities Website
CDC’s Addressing Obesity Disparities website is designed to help you understand and apply the contents of the Health Equity Resource Toolkit for State Practitioners Addressing Obesity Disparities.
State Funding Opportunity Announcement
This FOA supports statewide implementation of cross-cutting approaches to promote health and prevent and control chronic diseases and their risk factors.
Latest State Data Show Rates of Obesity Remain High
In 2010, there were 12 states with an obesity prevalence of 30% or more.
Children's Food Environment State Indicator Report, 2011 (PDF-768k)
This report compiles data about food access, regulations and policies that, if improved, may positively impact childhood obesity.
County Level Estimates of Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity
Americans who live in Appalachia and the South are the least likely to be physically active in their leisure time. In many counties in that region, more than 29 percent of adults reported getting no physical activity other than at their regular job.
Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding
The Surgeon General seeks to make it possible for every mother who wishes to breastfeed to be able to do so by shifting how we as a nation think and talk about breastfeeding.

Add this widget to your Web site to calculate BMI. This calculator provides BMI and the corresponding weight category. Use this calculator for adults, aged 20 years old and older.
Get the code on the CDC Widgets Page.

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.

At A Glance 2011 — Obesity, Halting the Epidemic by Making Health Easier

Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.