Posing Questions and Developing Strategies

Current knowledge is clear on many issues: the prevalence of overweight and obesity is high, and that of obesity is increasing rapidly; adolescents who are overweight are at high risk of becoming overweight or obese adults; overweight and obesity increase the risk for serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and high blood cholesterol; and overweight and obesity are associated with premature death and disability. It is also known that a healthy diet and adequate physical activity aid in maintaining a healthy weight and, among overweight or obese persons, can promote weight loss. Knowledge is less clear, however, on some very important questions. How can overweight and obesity be prevented? What are the most effective prevention and treatment strategies? How can the environment be modified to promote healthier eating and increased physical activity? Determining the answers to these questions demands a national public health response. Assembling the components of this response has begun.