Nutrition and Physical Activity

Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are modifiable unhealthy behaviors that contribute to overweight and obesity. These chronic conditions, along with others such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke cause preventable illnesses and lead to early deaths. Engaging in healthy lifestyle habits such as healthy eating and physical activity are essential to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Regular physical activity and healthy eating also increase overall health. The Dietary Guidelines and Physical Activity Guidelines serve as recommendations to guide Americans to increase their health and live their best lives.

The Chronic Disease Prevention Section is committed to promoting healthy eating and physical activity in Georgia by implementing environmental approaches and policies throughout our programs. We seek to encourage all Georgians to consume a variety healthy foods and be physically active to elicit lifelong healthy habits. In turn, this can help reduce the prevalence of chronic conditions, promote healthy weights and increase overall well-being throughout all life stages.

Georgia Facts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the following data for the state of Georgia:

Adults (18 years and older): 34.3% were obese and 50.8% achieved at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
Adolescents (grades 9-12): 18.3% of adolescents were obese and 24.7% exercised for at least 60 minutes on all 7 days of the past week
Children (aged 2 to 4): 14.4% of children in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program were overweight, 13.6% were obese; 73.7% of infants were never breastfed and 45.8% of infants were breastfed for at least 6 months

For the CDC's Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity full profile of Georgia click here.

DPH Program Toolkits

The Georgia Department of Public Health and partners have developed toolkits for early care providers, schools, and worksites to use. Click on a toolkit to learn how to improve your early care center, school, and/or worksite wellness policies.

Growing Fit Kit: Wellness Policies for Georgia's Early Care Environments (PDF, 4.58 MB)

Physical Activity and Nutrition Toolkit: For Georgia Public Schools and School Districts (PDF, 4.66 MB)

Work Healthy Georgia Toolkit (PDF, 15.56 MB)