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Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity

measuring tape and scale
Good eating habits, proper nutrition, and physical fitness are essential for good health. Read about Nutrition and Fitness programs at NJDOH.

Quick Links

Teen Obesity report linkAdult Obesity report linkPhysical Activity report link
Health professionals recognize the benefits associated with a healthy eating plan based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Proper nutrition promotes the optimal growth and development of children. A healthy diet also helps reduce the risks for many health conditions.1

Regular physical activity helps improve a person's overall health and fitness, and reduces the risk for many chronic diseases.2 Nationally in 2019, only 23% of adults reported that they participated in enough aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises to meet guidelines3 and 44% of high schools students were physically active at least one hour per day on five or more days per week4.

A person whose weight is higher than what is considered as a normal weight adjusted for height is described as being overweight or having obesity.5 Body Mass Index (BMI) is the weight-to-height ratio most commonly used to estimate and screen for overweight and obesity. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 or higher; obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 9th Edition. December 2020.
2. Physical Activity, CDC. 1/31/18.
3. BRFSS Prevalence and Trends Data, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, CDC, 10/7/22.
4. Youth Online, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, CDC, 10/7/22.
5. Overweight and Obesity Statistics. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Sept 2021.

Why It's Important

Staying in control of your weight contributes to good health now and as you age. Individuals who are at a healthy weight are less likely to:
  • Develop chronic disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia.
  • Develop chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers.
  • Experience complications during pregnancy.
  • Die at an earlier age.6
6. Nutrition and Weight Status Overview. Healthy People 2020. 2/6/22.

What Is Known

During the past few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States and rates remain high. As of 2017-2020, more than 40% of U.S. adults7 and one-fifth of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years8 are obese.

7. Adult Obesity Facts. 5/29/24.
8. Childhood Obesity Facts. 5/29/24.

How It's Tracked

Nutrition, physical activity, and weight status are tracked at the national and state levels primarily through two surveys:
National information is also tracked through the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services