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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 linkFood Insecurity report link

Why It's Important

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

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.3 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.

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 high cholesterol.
  • Develop chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers.
  • Experience complications during pregnancy.
  • Die at an earlier age.4
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. Overweight and Obesity Statistics. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Sept 2021.
4. Consequences of Obesity. CDC. 7/15/22.

What's 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. adults5 and one-fifth of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years6 are obese.

5. Adult Obesity Facts. CDC. 5/14/24.
6. Childhood Obesity Facts. CDC. 4/2/24.

Who's at Risk

Risk factors for obesity include lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, not enough or poor quality sleep, and too much screen time.

A lack of physical activity may exist in neighborhoods with few safe spaces or other social or environmental supports to promote physical activity. Even in places with safe access to physical activity, some potential users may be left out. For example, recreation areas may not be designed for older adults or people with disabilities, and this can contribute to disparities in physical activity within these populations.7

People with healthy eating patterns live longer and have healthier lives. However, many groups have limited access to affordable, healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. These groups include people living in rural areas and neighborhoods where most residents have lower incomes. People with disabilities may also be affected. In addition, people in some racial and ethnic groups may not have access to culturally preferred healthy foods.8

7. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2023; p. 21.
8. About the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. CDC. 9/10/24.

How To Reduce Risk

  • Make breastfeeding easier to start and continue
  • Promote a healthy childhood
  • Make healthy food choices easier everywhere
  • Make physical activity safe and accessible for all9
9. About the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. CDC. 9/10/24.

How It's Tracked

Nutrition, physical activity, and weight status are primarily tracked by the NJ Department of Health through: Nationally, information is tracked through:

Other Data and Information Resources

New Jersey

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services