Nutrition and Health: Obesity

Issue:
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 indicate that an estimated 61% of adults are overweight or obese, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more. The prevalence of overweight in children is approximately 13%, doubling since the early 1970's. Obesity is a risk factor in the development of a number of chronic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Actions:
MCE, in partnership with the USDA, supported Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) and are delivering programs within communities which teach adults and youth how to:

Eat a healthy diet, read food labels, exercise portion control, reduce fat and kilocalorie consumption.
Eat fruits and vegetables (five fruits and vegetables a day).
Increase physical activity.

Impacts:

Improvements in dietary fat consumption, label reading, and consumption of fruits and vegetables for participants of EFNEP.
Each dollar invested in EFNEP leads to $10.64 savings in future health care costs.

For more information, contact Richard Byrne

Last updated: 05/15/2006