Obesity is a national and local epidemic. More than half of all adults living in DC are overweight or obese; rates climb to over 72% in the District’s Wards East of the River (Wards 7 and 8). Racial disparities with regards to obesity in the District are extreme, for example, less than one in every ten White District residents are obese, whereas one in every three African Americans in the District are obese.
Strategies that address access to eat healthy foods and opportunities to be physically active are critical to prevention and management of obesity and chronic disease.
Due to the importance of healthy eating and active living, Bureau of Cancer and Chronic Disease (BCCD) is committed to a range of strategies that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and living well with chronic conditions for all DC residents across the lifespan (babies, toddlers, children, youth, adults, and seniors) in a variety of settings (community, schools, workplaces, clinical, faith based institutions and more).
Related Resources and Helpful Links:
- ChooseMyPlate.gov
- Fruits and Veggies More Matters
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- DC Healthy Corner Store Brochure [PDF]
- DC Healthy Corner Store Listings [PDF]
- 2010 Obesity Plan [PDF]
- Chronic Disease State Plan [PDF]
- Obesity Resources