Abstract
This presentation by Professor Nikolaos Tzenios offers a detailed examination of the overweight and obesity crisis, particularly in the context of the Healthy People 2030 objectives. The presentation begins with an outline of the objectives set by Healthy People 2030, emphasizing the reduction of juvenile and adult obesity through healthy eating and regular exercise. A thorough overview of obesity and overweight is provided, including definitions, causes such as genetics, overeating, lack of physical activity, and medical conditions, and associated health risks like type II diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, stroke, and cancer. Significant emphasis is placed on the alarming statistics of obesity and overweight, highlighting the prevalence in both children and adults in the United States and globally. The presentation explores various evidence-based resources and websites, including peer-reviewed articles, government agencies like the CDC and WHO, and research institutions, offering a rich repository of information on obesity. A key focus is the "Active Communities for Healthy Lifestyles" program under Healthy People 2030, which aims to support obesity prevention and management through increased physical activity, healthy eating, community engagement, and policy and environmental adjustments. The conclusion reiterates the high rates of teenage and adult overweight and obesity in the U.S., the significant healthcare costs involved, and the factors leading to obesity. The presentation underscores the objectives of Healthy People 2030 in promoting a healthier lifestyle to combat these issues, highlighting the importance of accessible, evidence-based information on obesity and overweight from credible sources like CDC, WHO, NIH, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library.