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.
Additional Resources
2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
CDC Early Care and Education Obesity Strategies
Georgia Working on Health Assessment Tool
Physical Activity Basics and Guidelines for Americans
Page last updated 12/19/22