Nutrition and Physical Activity

 

Improving Health with Nutrition and Physical Activity

We have all heard it – on popular television shows, on radio talk shows, and in the headlines of newspapers throughout the state – we spend more time eating chips in front of the TV, instead of a piece of fruit while taking a walk around the neighborhood.

As a result, more than half of us in Washington are either obese or overweight.

We have grown way beyond having a few pounds to lose. Our health is in danger. We know that poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity cause diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

To help the people of Washington get healthier, the Department of Health is working with communities, schools, employers, and healthcare providers to make changes that will make it easier for us to make healthy choices in our daily lives.

Learn more about how you can make changes where you live, learn, work, and play.

Definitions of "Obese" and "Overweight"

Someone who is overweight has a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9.

Someone who is obese has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

To find your body mass index, enter your height and weight into the BMI calculator: