Obesity Prevention

The prevalence of obesity among Delaware adults increased from 27 percent in 2012 to 37.9 percent in 2022, and the prevalence is trending upward. The causes of obesity are complex, involving individual risk factors, genetics, cultural and economic factors, and environmental and food industry influences. The obesity epidemic in the U.S. has high economic and health costs, contributing to a number of the leading causes of premature death, illness and disability. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified this epidemic as a high priority winnable battle.

Healthy Lifestyles

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight includes healthy eating, physical activity, optimal sleep, and stress reduction.

Managing your weight contributes to good health now and as you age. Obesity increases risk for many serious diseases and health conditions. Engaging in a healthy lifestyle by eating a variety of healthy foods and adding more physical activity into your day reduces the risk of the health consequences of obesity.

Defining Adult Overweight and Obesity

Weight that is higher than what is considered healthy for a given height is described as overweight or obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool for overweight and obesity. To calculate BMI, see the Adult BMI Calculator or determine BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI Index Chart.

• If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.
• If your BMI is 18.5 to <25, it falls within the healthy weight range.
• If your BMI is 25.0 to <30, it falls within the overweight range.
• If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obesity range.

Health Consequences of Obesity:

Obesity increases the risk of many chronic diseases, including:

• Coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers, such as endometrial, breast, and colon cancer
• High total cholesterol and high levels of triglycerides
• Liver and gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Degeneration of cartilage and underlying bone within a joint (osteoarthritis)
• Reproductive health complications such as infertility
• Mental health conditions

More resources:

• Suggestions for healthy eating and weight loss
• Information from CDC about overweight and obesity
• Healthy Kids Healthy Future
• The most recent Delaware data on nutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases from the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey

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