Epidemiological studies show an increase in mortality associated with overweight and obesity. Approximately 300,000 deaths a year in this country are currently associated with overweight and obesity. Morbidity from obesity may be as great as from poverty, smoking, or problem drinking. Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk for developing various medical conditions including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers (endometrial, colon, postmenopausal breast, kidney, and esophageal), high blood pressure, arthritis-related disabilities and type 2 diabetes.

It is also important for individuals who are currently at a healthy weight to strive to maintain it since both modest and large weight gains are associated with significantly increased risk of disease. For example, a weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight, while those who gain 44 pounds or more have four times the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Recent research studies have shown that a gain of 10 to 20 pounds resulted in an increased risk of coronary heart disease (which can result in nonfatal heart attacks and death) of 1.25 times in women and 1.6 times in men.In these studies, weight increases of 22 pounds in men and 44 pounds in women resulted in a increased coronary heart disease risk of 1.75 and 2.65, respectively. In one study among women with a BMI of 34 or greater, the risk of developing endometrial cancer was increased by more than 6 times. Overweight and obesity are also known to exacerbate many chronic conditions such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol. Overweight and obese individuals also may suffer from social stigmatization, discrimination, and poor body image.

Although obesity-associated morbidities occur most frequently in adults, important consequences of excess weight as well as antecedents of adult disease occur in overweight children and adolescents. Overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become overweight or obese adults. As the prevalence of overweight and obesity increases in children and adolescents, type 2 diabetes, high blood lipids, and hypertension as well as early maturation and orthopedic problems are occurring with increased frequency. A common consequence of childhood overweight is psychosocial—specifically discrimination.

Call to Action

Because physical inactivity is a risk factor for many diseases and conditions, making physical activity an integral part of daily life is crucial. Physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial. People of all ages benefit from moderate physical activity, such as 30 minutes of walking five or more times a week. In addition, physical activity does not need to be sustained for long periods of time in order to provide health benefits. Repeated shorter bursts of moderate-intensity activity also yield health benefits. In other words, walking in two 15-minute segments or three 10-minute segments is beneficial.

This report makes clear the pressing need to encourage a more active lifestyle among the American people. Clearly, the goal of a more active population will be a challenge, requiring a commitment to change on the part of individuals, families, work places, and communities. Both the public and private sectors will need to band together to promote more healthy habits for those of all ages. Encouraging more activity can be as simple as establishing walking programs at schools, worksites and in the community. Some communities have an existing infrastructure that supports physical activity, such as sidewalks and bicycle trails, and work sites, schools, and shopping areas in close proximity to residential areas. In many other areas, such community amenities need to be developed to foster walking, cycling, and other types of exercise as a regular part of daily activity. Schools provide many opportunities to engage children in physical activity as well as healthy eating. For adults, worksites provide opportunities to reinforce the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Perhaps the most important change, however, is at the individual and family level. Each person must understand the value of physical activity for his or her health and well-being and commit to a lifestyle that is truly active.