Part 2: Tackling the Epidemic
A Guide for Custom Community Intervention Planning

 Key Points

Part 2: Tackling the Epidemic examines the facts behind the obesity epidemic. Key points covered are:

• Less than half of U.S. adults have a healthy weight (BMI > 18.5 to < 25).
• Obesity has also been linked to a substantial increase in the relative risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

 The Obesity Epidemic

Overweight and obesity are at epidemic proportions in the United States. There are many theories about why this problem exists. However, given the relatively short time frame in which these changes have happened, many scientists agree that the change is highly likely to be due to changes in our environment rather than our biology. This guide will help you plan a community-based approach to tackling overweight and obesity, to be designed and implemented by a team of community members

Why is This Important?

• Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight (Body Mass Index (BMI) > 25) or obese (BMI > 30)
• Less than half of U.S. adults have a healthy weight (BMI > 18.5 to < 25)
• By 2008, it is projected that 38% of the adult population will be obese

Obesity has also been linked to a substantial increase in the relative risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

This risk is increased with greater body weight and may be decreased as levels of obesity are reduced. Preventing weight gain can reduce breast cancer risk.

To read more about weight and breast cancer risk, see Fact Sheet #42, Body Type and Breast Cancer Risk.

Next Step: Part 3: Background

Last Update 1.11.06

Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Vet Box 31, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401
Phone: 607.254.2893; Fax: 607.254.4730
Email: breastcancer@cornell.edu

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