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The purpose of Shape Up America! is to educate the public
on the importance of the achievement and maintenance of a healthy body weight
through the adoption of increased physical activity and healthy eating.
Our mission is based on the scientific evidence that
obesity is not just an appearance problem; it is a condition that
can lead to serious disease. Obesity is associated with five
of the ten leading causes of death and disability in the United
States -- heart disease, some forms of cancer, type II diabetes,
stroke, and hypertension (high blood pressure). By
clearly defining obesity as a major public health issue, Shape
Up America! is conducting a broad-based education initiative
to encourage sensible eating and increased physical activity
in all individuals and a modest weight loss in overweight individuals
that can be maintained over time.
With the ultimate goal of stimulating behavior change, Shape
Up America! is focusing on redefining weight management
by encouraging increased physical activity and healthy eating
for all Americans. Shape Up America! encourages small lifestyle changes
that provide immediate health dividends, such
as lower blood cholesterol levels. Additional benefits include
increased independence, productivity, and reduced demands for health
care services. Accordingly, the key messages are designed to
promote increased physical activity and improvements in dietary
intake that prevent weight gain or produce weight loss and weight
maintenance. Shape Up America! is committed to
disseminating these messages to men, women, and children of all
ages, regardless of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
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