General Information and Resources for Weight and Obesity

After decades of increases in the obesity rate among U.S. adults and children, the rate recently has dropped among some populations, particularly young children. What are the factors responsible for these changes? How can promising trends be accelerated? What else needs to be known to end the epidemic of obesity in the United States?

Healthy People 2020 - provides an overview of the Nutrition and Weight Status topic area, as well as objectives and data, and evidence-based resources.

Blog post with infographic that highlights obesity as a national epidemic, its financial impact on communities and the overall economy, and preventative measures that can be taken to affect change at a national level.

This interactive learning program helps consumers make healthy food choices while controlling calories. Also check out the "Nutrition Facts Label" (PDF16.75 MB) brochure.

2002 Research Brief examines comparative effects of obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, and poverty on chronic health conditions and health expenditures.

Statistics on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the US, as well as disease, mortality, and economic costs.

Estimated costs of obesity at national and state levels.

Five facts sheets that provide current information on obesity based on scientific research.

Overweight and obesity related resources, statistic, trends, prevention efforts, research and more from CDC.

September 2002 report analyzing current trends in weight loss advertising.