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Obesity: What You Can Do to Fight It

Date: 03/31/26

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 41.9% of adults  20 years and older who live in the United States are obese. Obesity is a chronic disease that is caused by too much fat in the body. It is a serious disease and can affect your health, but there are steps you can take to manage your weight.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Set goals. If your doctor says you need to lose weight, it should be lost over time. Set a goal weight that you can reach. Talk to your doctor and create a plan together.
  2. Eat a healthy diet. A good place to start is by having a heart-healthy diet which includes leafy greens, fruits and high-protein meals. To lose weight, you will probably need to limit the number of calories you take in. Read nutrition labels on food items to see their calorie count. Talk to your doctor about what your daily calorie count should be.
  3. Be active. Start with something simple like walking 30 minutes per day. You can also swim, bike or run. Talk to your doctor about what type of exercise is best for you. You can also find other small ways to stay active throughout your day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
  4. Get a good night’s sleep. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says that obesity can be related to not getting enough quality sleep.

Small, healthy changes can make a big difference over time. Talk with your doctor for support and guidance. For more information about weight management and preventing obesity, visit the resources below.