About Obesity

Learn more about obesity and what Maine is doing for prevention and treatment.

Obesity is a complex chronic disease. Behavioral, economic, environmental, and genetic factors all play a role in a person’s weight status. Individuals with obesity are at higher risk of developing many diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Obesity is estimated to cost the US health care system almost $173 billion per year. 

The Maine CDC Obesity Prevention Program works to bring together stakeholders to implement evidence based initiatives and programming across the state to make healthy eating and active living the easy choice. Projects include the Maine Prevention Network’s Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) efforts, farm to early care initiatives, and coalitions that focus on policy, systems and environmental changes.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 based on an individual’s height and weight. BMI should be considered alongside other factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and physical examination by a health professional. Although BMI does not differentiate amongst fat, muscle, and bone mass, which all influence a person’s weight, it is a valuable tool when used in combination with other measures of health.  

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are significant risk factors for obesity. 

Protective actions include:

  • Staying physically active
  • Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
  • Getting adequate sleep
  • Minimizing stress
Physical Activity Guidelines MyPlate Nutrition Guidance

Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) in Maine

HEAL is committed to implementing evidence-based or evidence-informed programs and strategies, specifically through the following programmatic goals:

  • Promote changes that make active living and healthy eating the easy choice,
  • Ensure people have access to healthy foods at a good price,
  • Enable people to get their recommended levels of physical activity,
  • Increase access to places for physical activity,
  • Support breastfeeding best practices in health care systems, at worksites, and within the community, and
  • Assess and improve the built environment and food systems to create more opportunity for all Maine residents to eat healthy and be physically active.

Have Questions?

Contact Us Today

Obesity Prevention Program
Email: eric.j.frohmberg@maine.gov/