Rates of overweight and obesity have increased dramatically in the United States. According to government statistics, the majority of Americans—over 55 percent—are classified as overweight or obese. The trend is particularly alarming in children. One in five are now classified as either overweight or obese—more than double the rate of a generation ago.
On December 7-8, 2000, the U.S. Surgeon General convened a listening session entitled, “Toward a National Action Plan on Overweight & Obesity: A Surgeon General’s Initiative.” Nearly 175 representatives from a broad array of interest groups including public health, government, military, sports and recreation, obesity advocacy, education and school administration, shared information about obesity prevention and treatment efforts.
The attendees found consensus on several key points:
- Obesity is a complex issue requiring comprehensive solutions
- Effective strategies will require collaboration and partnerships
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture and Department of Education will begin developing a national action plan to address overweight and obesity. Additional opportunities for input and comment to the national plan will be offered in 2001. For more information, go to http://www.sgobesity.niddk.nih.gov.
