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We Support a Healthier Future - Healthy People 2020

Obesity Prevention

Losing Weight: Conversation Starters

Use these tips to start a conversation with a loved one about losing weight.

Review Date: April 03, 2012

National Health Information Center - NHIC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Losing Weight: Questions for the Doctor

These questions can help you start a conversation with your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.

Review Date: April 18, 2012

National Health Information Center - NHIC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Watch Your Weight

To stay at a healthy weight, balance the calories you eat with the calories you use up (burn) by being active. Staying at a healthy weight can help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and disability.

Review Date: March 27, 2012

National Health Information Center - NHIC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Frequently Asked Questions - Obesity and Weight Loss

Find out your BMI (a measure of body fat based on height and weight) by using the BMI calculator and chart provided. If you are overweight, learn what you can do to lose weight and improve your health.

Review Date: February 28, 2011

Office on Women's Health

Adult BMI(Body Mass Index) Calculator

Adults 20 years and older can use this Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator as an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

Review Date: March 02, 2012

Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity - DNPAO, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Aim for a Healthy Weight

Losing this weight helps to prevent and control many diseases, especially heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This guide provides steps for safe and effective weight loss.

Review Date: February 12, 2013

NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - NHLBI

BMI Calculator iPhone Application

Download this iPhone app to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) and learn how to maintain a healthy weight.

Review Date: October 26, 2011

NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - NHLBI

Body Fat Lab

Learn more about your percent body fat and the role it plays in your overall health.

Review Date: March 07, 2013

Shape Up America!

Calculate Your Body Mass Index

The BMI Calculator is an easy-to-use online tool to help you estimate body fat. It is a measure of your weight relative to your height.

Review Date: April 26, 2011

NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - NHLBI

CDC Vitalsigns: Adult Obesity

In every state, more than 15% of adults are obese, and in nine states, over 30% of adults are obese. New federal initiatives are helping to change our communities into places that strongly support healthy eating and active living.

Review Date: February 19, 2013

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - CDC
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-Loss Program

This consumer information booklet highlights the elements of a weight-loss program a consumer should look for in order to properly judge its safety and potential for success.

Review Date: March 14, 2012

NIH National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?

This guide can help you lose weight safely and develop a healthier lifestyle that will reduce your chances of developing serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer associated with obesity.

Review Date: March 21, 2013

NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - NIDDK

Find a Registered Dietitian

Whether you're a consumer looking for personal assistance, or a business looking for nutrition consulting, use this search tool to identify a nutrition provider for your specific needs.

Review Date: February 05, 2013

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Find a Support Group: Obesity Action Coalition

Support groups are another important component in the fight against obesity. Find a local support group to connect with others who are facing the same challenges and triumphs.

Review Date: August 16, 2012

Obesity Action Coalition

Healthy Eating at Home

Good nutrition begins at home, so talk to your child about making healthy food and beverage choices and model those healthy behaviors yourself. These tips will give you some ideas on ways to get your family eating healthier.

Review Date: February 12, 2013

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

NHLBI Obesity Education Initiative: Guide to Behavior Change

If you are overweight, these behavioral changes will reduce your risk for some health problems that affect the heart, lungs and joints, as well as some chronic diseases.

Review Date: March 11, 2013

NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - NHLBI

Obesity and Cancer

A fact sheet that summarizes research on the potential link between obesity and cancer risk.

Review Date: March 01, 2013

NIH National Cancer Institute

Overweight and Obesity: Contributing Factors

Obesity and overweight are chronic conditions. Overall there are a variety of factors that play a role in obesity. This section will address how behavior, environment, and genetic factors may have an effect in causing people to be overweight and obese.

Review Date: June 10, 2012

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - NCCDPHP
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Overweight and Obesity: What You Can Do

This document highlights the importance of making fitness a priority, and offers examples of how to maintain physical activity through everyday chores and sporting activities.

Review Date: March 11, 2013

Office of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Parenting to Prevent Obesity

Helping your kids get and stay healthy isn’t always easy. Here are some helpful tips and information to help you take positive steps!

Review Date: February 12, 2013

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects many people. As with other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, the use of prescription medications may be appropriate for some people who are overweight or obese.

Review Date: March 13, 2013

NIH Weight-Control Information Network, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

TOPS Tools

Find useful articles and news on fitness and nutrition, plus tools to help you plan and track various aspects of your weight management efforts.

Review Date: August 29, 2011

TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

Understanding Adult Obesity

Obesity puts people at increased risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some forms of cancer. This fact sheet provides basic information about obesity and who should lose weight.

Review Date: May 17, 2012

NIH Weight-Control Information Network, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Waist-Hip Ratio Calculator

Use this tool to determine if you have a healthy waist to hip ratio.

Review Date: May 06, 2011

University of Maryland Medical Center

Weight and Waist Measurement: Tools for Adults

Health care providers use body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference measures to assess a person's risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, or other health problems. This fact sheet tells you how to measure your BMI and waist circumference, and what these measures mean for your health.

Review Date: March 01, 2012

NIH Weight-Control Information Network, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Weight-loss Options: Bariatric Surgery

Choosing which type of weight-loss surgery is right for you can be a difficult task. Here is some information to help you and your physician make the appropriate treatment selection. Consult with your physician and insurance provider to see if you are a candidate.

Review Date: August 16, 2012

Obesity Action Coalition