Weight Management and Obesity Resource List

April 2013

This publication is a collection of resources for consumers on the topics of weight 

management and obesity. The resources on this list are in a variety of information formats: 

articles, pamphlets, books, and full-text materials on the World Wide Web. 

This list was developed to provide reliable nutrition information about weight loss, weight 

management, and obesity, and is not intended to provide specific medical advice. The Food 

and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) urges individuals to consult with a qualified 

physician or Registered Dietitian (RD) for answers to specific questions.

Materials included in this list may also be available to borrow from the National Agricultural 

Library (NAL). Lending and copy service information is provided at the end of this document. 

If you are not eligible for direct borrowing privileges, check with your local library on how to 

borrow through interlibrary loan. Materials cannot be purchased from NAL. Contact 

information is provided if you wish to purchase any materials on this list. 

This Resource List is available from the FNIC’s Web site at: 

http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/pubs/weight.pdf. A complete list of FNIC publications can be 

found at http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/resourcelists.

Each item has been placed in one or more of the following sections, and may be organized 

by resource type (e.g., book, brochure, Web site):

A. Defining Overweight and Obesity

1. Definitions

2. Trends, Statistics, and Costs

B. Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity

C. Resources for Weight Management and Obesity Prevention

1. General Resources

2. Interactive Weight Management Tools

3. Evaluating Popular Diets and Weight Loss Methods

4. Supervised Approaches to Weight Loss

D. Weight Management Resources for Children and Adolescents
 

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A. Defining Overweight and Obesity

1. Definitions

BMI – Body Mass Index

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC), National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm

Description: Provides a definition for BMI as well as separate BMI calculators for adults 

and for children and teens. Additional nutrition, weight and health resources are also 

available.

Defining Overweight and Obesity

DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/defining.htm

Description: Discusses obesity and obesity measures while detailing dangers and risks.

Defines overweight and obesity for adults, children and teens.

Obesity Information

American Heart Association

Web site:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/Obesity/ObesityInformation_UCM_307908_Article.jsp

Description: Provides definitions for obesity and links to information on achieving a healthy 

weight.

Weight-control Information Network (WIN)

DHHS, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and 

Kidney Diseases

Web site: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

Description: Provides the general public, health professionals, the media, and Congress 

with up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and 

related nutritional issues.

Ordering Information:

The Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3665

Phone: 1-877-946-4627 Fax: 202-828-1028

Publications Order Form: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/order/orderpub.htm

Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov

Obesity, Physical Activity, and Weight Control Glossary

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/glossary.htm

Description: Defines words that are often used when people talk or write about 

obesity, physical activity, and weight control.
 

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Understanding Adult Obesity

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/understanding.htm

Description: Provides definitions of overweight and obesity including BMI and body 

fat distribution. Also discusses possible causes, health consequences, prevention and 

treatment of overweight and obesity.

Weight and Waist Measurement: Tools for Adults 

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/tools.htm

Description: Explains how to measure BMI and waist circumference, and what these 

measures mean for your health.

What are Overweight and Obesity?

DHHS, NIH, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/obe/obe_whatare.html

Description: Defines overweight and obesity, and identifies possible causes of each, who is 

at risk, treatment, prevention, and more.

2. Trends, Statistics, and Costs

Overweight and Obesity: Causes and Consequences

DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes/index.html

Description: Discusses variety of factors that play a role in obesity, including behavior, 

environment and genetic factors. Also includes information on the health and economic 

consequences of overweight and obesity.

Overweight and Obesity: Data and Statistics

DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/index.html

Description: Provides overweight and obesity trends among adults and among children and 

adolescents, as well as related resources.

Statistics Related to Overweight and Obesity

NIDDK, Weight-control Information Network

Web site: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/

Description: Provides statistics related to the prevalence, economic costs, and health 

related risks of overweight and obesity. 

U.S. Obesity Trends

DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.html

Description: Shows the increase in U.S. obesity rates by state and by year in a series of 

Power Point slides. Slides provide a visual image of the increased prevalence of obesity 

across each of the states.
 

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B. Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity

The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity

DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html

Description: Lists health conditions for which overweight and obesity lead to higher risk.

Obesity Fact Sheets

The Obesity Society

Web site: http://www.obesity.org/resources-for/fact-sheets.htm

Description: Provides information regarding the health impacts of obesity. Specific fact 

sheets on health-related outcomes include:

 What is Obesity?: http://www.obesity.org/resources-for/what-is-obesity.htm

 Obesity and Diabetes: http://www.obesity.org/resources-for/your-weight-anddiabetes.htm

 Obesity and Cancer: http://www.obesity.org/resources-for/cancer-and-obesity.htm

 Childhood Overweight: http://www.obesity.org/resources-for/childhoodoverweight.htm

 Obesity, Bias and Stigmatization: http://www.obesity.org/resources-for/obesitybias-and-stigmatization.htm

Obesity – Stroke Connection

American Heart Association

Web site: 

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/Obesity/Obesity---

Stroke-Connection_UCM_311771_Article.jsp

Description: Discusses the connection between obesity and stroke.

Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences

DHHS, Office of the Surgeon General

Web site: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/obesity/fact_consequences.html

Description: Reviews potential health consequences, or conditions, resulting from 

overweight and obesity, and provides benefits of weight loss.

Weight-control Information Network

DHHS, NIH, National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Web site: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

Description: Provides the general public, health professionals, the media, and Congress 

with up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and 

related nutritional issues.

Ordering Information: 

The Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
 

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Phone: 1-877-946-4627 Fax: 202-828-1028

Publications Order Form: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/order/orderpub.htm

Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov

Do You Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight?

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/health_risks.htm

Description: Provides information about the health risks which may be increased by 

overweight and obesity. 

Weight Cycling

Full text: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/wcycling.htm

Description: Discusses the myths and realities of repeated weight loss and regain.

What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity?

DHHS, NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/risks.html

Description: Reviews overweight and obesity-related health problems in adults.

C. Resources for Weight Management and Obesity Prevention

1. General Resources

Books

American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide, 4

th Edition

Roberta Larson Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS 

Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012, 720 pp. 

ISBN: 978-0470912072

NAL Call Number: RA784 .D89 2012

Description: Addresses healthy eating guidelines and strategies for adults, teens, and 

children. Includes chapters on food intolerance and allergies, vegetarian eating, athletics 

and nutrition, and dietary supplements. Discusses how to spot health quackery and when to 

seek the advice of a nutrition professional.

Bite It & Write It!

Stacie Castle, MS, RD, CDN, Robyn A. Cotler, MS, RD, CDN, Marni Schefter, RD, CDN, 

Shana Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN, CDE

New York: Square One Publishers, 2011, 192 pp.

ISBN: 0757003435

Description: Provides ten weekly health goals, which can be personalized, with tips to help 

reach them. This book also serves as a nutrition journal to help you keep track of your 

intake. Also includes calorie guides for common foods and chain restaurant foods.
 

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The Calorie Counter, 5

th Edition

Karen Nolan, PhD and Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD

New York: Pocket Books, 2010, 704 pp.

ISBN: 1-4165-6667-0

Description: Provides calorie counts for more than 20,000 foods, including over 800 takeout foods and 100 restaurant chains. Introductory text offers information on energy (calorie) 

needs and portion control.

Eat Out, Eat Right: The Guide to Healthier Restaurant Eating, 3

rd Edition

Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE

Chicago, IL: Surrey Books, 2008, 284 pp.

ISBN: 1572840927

Description: Provides an overview of restaurant eating habits and introduces skills and 

strategies that can be used at any restaurant to make healthier choices. Includes nutrition 

information for a variety of restaurant foods and cuisines, and offers tips for decoding “menu 

lingo.” 

Eat Right When Time is Tight: 150 Slim-Down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes

Patricia Bannan, MS, RD

Bedford, IN: NorlightsPress.Com, 2010, 206 pp.

ISBN: 1935254294

Description: Written specifically for women, offers research and ten master strategies, in 

addition to mini-strategies and meal suggestions, to “eat right when time is tight.” Includes 

practical meals and snacks.

The Instinct Diet: Use Your Five Food Instincts to Lose Weight and Keep It Off

Susan Roberts, PhD and Betty Kelly Sargent

New York: Workman Publishing, 2008, 338 pp.

ISBN: 0761150196

Description: Defines five basic “food instincts” (hunger, availability, calorie density, 

familiarity and variety) and teaches readers to work with them rather than against them to 

manage what, how, when and how much they eat over the course of an 8-week program.

Recipes and appendices, including a savvy supermarket shopper directory and sample food 

diary, are included.

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works, 3rd Edition

Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD, and Elyse Resch, MS, RD, FADA

New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2012, 344 pp.

ISBN: 1250004047

Description: Encourages thoughtful eating behaviors, such as eating when hungry, 

challenging the traditional “dieting” mentality, and respecting your body, to reach weight loss 

or maintenance goals. 
 

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The Mayo Clinic Diet: Eat Well, Enjoy Life, Lose Weight

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 2010, 254 pp.

ISBN: 1561486760

Description: Offers a two part plan (Part One: Lose It, Part Two: Live It) for individuals to 

achieve long-term, sustainable weight loss through behavior changes; provides tips for meal 

planning and eating out.

Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think

Brian Wansink, PhD

New York: Bantam Books, 2010, 304 pp.

ISBN: 978-0-345-52688-5

Description: Discusses why, how much, and what people are eating—often without 

realizing it. Provides “reengineering strategies” to help curb mindless eating behaviors. 

Appendices compare popular diet plans and give tips for “defusing your diet danger zones.”

The Most Complete Food Counter, 3rd Edition

Karen J. Nolan, PhD and Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD

New York: Gallery Books, 2013, 965 pp.

ISBN: 978-1-4516-2164-8

Description: Provides nutrient values, including calories, fat, cholesterol, protein, 

carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, and more for over 21,000 foods. Introductory text offers 

information on how to adequately eat or limit the above nutrients, and provides an A-Z 

“dictionary” of food and nutrition terms and concepts.

The Ultimate Volumetrics Diet: Smart, Simple, Science-Based Strategies for Losing 

Weight and Keeping It Off

Barbara Rolls, PhD with Mindy Hermann, RD

New York: HarperCollins, 2012, 416 pp.

ISBN: 978-0062060648

Description: Shows how to select foods that provide satisfying portions while still allowing 

people to feel full on fewer calories. Includes recipes, budget and time-saving tips, charts, 

and photos.

Brochures, Booklets, and Tools

Aim for a Healthy Weight

DHHS, NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

NHLBI Publication No. 05-5213

Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/aim_hwt.htm

Description: Contains practical, easy-to-use information for losing and maintaining weight, 

including tips on healthy eating and physical activity, setting weight loss goals, and 

rewarding success. Also includes portion and serving size information, sample reduced 

calorie menus, tips on dining out, a sample walking program, and a weekly food and activity 

diary.
 

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Ordering Information:

NHLBI Health Information Center 

P.O. Box 30105

Bethesda, MD 20824-0105

Phone: 301-592-8573 Fax: 240-629-3246 

Email: NHLBIinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov

Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/index.htm

Drawing the Line on Calories, Carbs, and Fats

Roberta Schwartz Wennik, MS, RD

Web site: http://www.advantagediets.com/drawingtheline.htm

Description: Allows users to track food intake and exercise by connecting a series of dots 

(“drawing the line”), rather than writing down all foods eaten. Available for purchase in hard 

copy, downloadable eBook, and DVD from the Web site.

Online Ordering: http://www.advantagediets.com/buynow.htm

Let’s Eat for the Health of It

U.S. Department of Agriculture; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Web site: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/publications/myplate/dg2010brochure.pdf (PDF|968 

KB)

Description: Consumer brochure that provides tips for healthful eating and being active 

based on recommendations from the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate.

Watch Your Weight!/¡Cuide Su Peso! 

DHHS, NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

NHLBI Publication No. 96-4047

Full text: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/sp_wt.pdf (PDF|412 KB)

Description: Written especially for Latino families, these bilingual booklets (English and 

Spanish) describe healthy dietary changes people can make to reduce their risk of having a 

heart attack or stroke.

Weight-control Information Network

DHHS, NIH, National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Web site: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

Description: Provides the general public, health professionals, the media, and Congress 

with up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and 

related nutritional issues.

Ordering Information:

The Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3665

Phone: 1-877-946-4627 Fax: 202-828-1028

Publications Order Form: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/order/orderpub.htm

Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov
 

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Active at Any Size

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/active.htm

Description: Encourages physical activity for individuals of any size. Suggested 

physical activities and safety tips are provided, as well as resources to get started.

Better Health and You: Tips for Adults

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/better_health.htm

Description: Provides tips for eating right and being active to help individuals reach or 

maintain a healthy weight.

Cómo Alimentarse y Mantenerse Activo Durante Toda La Vida (Healthy Eating & 

Physical Activity Across Your Lifespan)

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/para_adultos.htm

Description: Discusses how eating well and physical activity contribute to healthy 

living.

Improving Your Health: Tips for African American Men and Women

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/improving.htm

Description: Provides tips for making changes to physical activity and eating habits 

that can improve health.

Just Enough For You: About Food Portions

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/just_enough.htm

Description: Discusses the difference between portions and serving sizes, and shows 

how to identify serving sizes by comparing them to everyday objects.

Physical Activity and Weight Control

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/physical.htm

Description: Discusses the importance of physical activity and provides tips for a safe 

physical activity program.

Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better

 Energize Yourself & Your Family 

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/energize.htm

 Fit and Fabulous as You Mature

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/mature.htm

Description: Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better is a national media-based 

program designed to encourage African American women 18 and over to maintain a 

healthy weight by becoming more physically active and eating healthier foods.

Weight Loss for Life

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/for_life.htm

Description: Gives an overview of overweight, the types of programs available for 

weight loss, portion size, and other weight control strategies. 

 
 

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Web Sites

Aim for a Healthy Weight

DHHS, NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/

Description: Summarizes key recommendations for weight loss, and allows users to 

assess their risk factors related to overweight or obesity. Also provides interactive tools and 

links to physical activity and behavior change guides, shopping tips, recipes, sample menus 

and a daily food diary to help people get started.

Back to Basics for Healthy Weight Loss

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Web site: http://www.eatright.org/public/content.aspx?id=6847

Description: Details three basic steps for weight loss success. 

Belly Fat in Men: Why Weight Loss Matters

MayoClinic.com, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/belly-fat/MC00054

Description: Discusses health risks linked to excess abdominal fat in men.

Belly Fat in Women: Taking – and Keeping – It Off

MayoClinic.com, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/belly-fat/WO00128

Description: Examines the risks of abdominal obesity in women, and provides lifestyle tips 

and targeted abdominal exercises to help flatten the belly and tone the abdominal muscles.

ChooseMyPlate.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Web site: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

Spanish: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/en-espanol.html

Description: MyPlate incorporates recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for 

Americans, 2010 and offers personalized eating plans, interactive tools to help users plan 

food choices, and advice on how to balance food and physical activity. See related 

interactive tools in next section.

Energy Density and Weight Loss: Feel Full on Fewer Calories

MayoClinic.com, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/NU00195

Description: Explains the concept of energy density and provides tips for choosing foods 

that can help people feel full on fewer calories.
 

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How Can I Manage My Weight

American Heart Association

Web site: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/How-Can-I-Manage-MyWeight_UCM_308997_Article.jsp

Description: Printable information sheet provides advice on how to reach and maintain a 

healthy weight.

Lose Weight the Healthy Way 

American Institute for Cancer Research

Web site: http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reduce_weight_healthy_way

Description: Provides a three-step approach to losing weight. Also includes a serving size 

finder to help control portion sizes.

Losing Weight

American Heart Association

Web site: 

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/WeightManagement/LosingWeight/Losing

-Weight_UCM_307904_Article.jsp

Description: Provides links to information reducing calories taken in and increasing calories 

expended, and links to related resources on goals for healthy eating and losing weight, the 

No-Fad Diet, recognizing roadblocks and keeping weight off. 

Menopause Weight Gain: Stop the Middle Age Spread

Mayo Clinic.com, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=HQ01076&printpage=true

Description: Describes physical changes that occur during menopause and ways to 

maintain a healthy weight and a realistic acceptance of inevitable body changes.

The New American Plate

American Institute for Cancer Research

Web site: http://www.aicr.org/new-american-plate 

Description: Gives a graphic representation of a healthy portion and plate of food, and 

invites comparison to people’s current proportion of foods and portion sizes on their own 

plates. Sample menus and recipes are also included.

Publications Ordering: http://www.aicr.org/publications 

Nutrition.gov

USDA, National Agricultural Library

Web site: http://www.nutrition.gov

Description: Serves as a gateway to reliable information on nutrition, healthy eating, and 

physical activity for consumers in the effort to reduce obesity and other food-related 

diseases. Offers an online article, “Interested in Losing Weight?”, that reviews resources 

and hints for getting started; article is available at http://www.nutrition.gov/losingweight
 

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Overweight and Obesity: What You Can Do

DHHS, Office of the Surgeon General

Web site: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/obesity/fact_whatcanyoudo.html

Description: Discusses physical activity approaches (and benefits) to attain or maintain a 

healthy weight.

Overweight, Obesity and Weight Loss

DHHS, National Women’s Health Information Center

Web site: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/factsheet/overweight-weight-loss.html

Description: Addresses health effects of being overweight or obese and gives tips for 

improving diet and increasing physical activity. Also discusses surgical options for weight 

loss and how to keep children healthy.

Shape Up!

Shape Up America! Healthy Weight for Life

Web site: http://www.shapeup.org 

Description: Aims to raise obesity awareness and provide information for healthy weight 

management. Provides links to allow users to assess their activity level, flexibility, and 

endurance, as well as links to other topic areas including activity calculators, “Cyberkitchen” 

and “10,000 Steps.”

Tips for Healthy Eating On the Go or At Home

DHHS, NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/ob_tips.htm

Description: Provides links to various tip sheets including:

Eating Healthy Starts With Healthy Food Shopping:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/shop.htm

Eating Healthy When Dining Out:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/dine_out.htm

Eating Healthy With Ethnic Food:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/eth_dine.htm

What You Should Know Before You Start a Weight Loss Plan

American Academy of Family Physicians

Web site: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/food/improve/788.html

Spanish: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/healthy/food/improve/788.html

Description: Discusses the importance of consulting with a doctor before starting a weight 

loss plan, and provides tips on getting active.
 

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2. Interactive Weight Management Tools

America On the Move

America On the Move Foundation

Web site: https://aom3.americaonthemove.org/

Description: Allows users to keep track of their physical activity (steps) and dietary 

progress.

BMI – Body Mass Index Calculator

DHHS, CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm

Description: Calculates body mass index (BMI) for adults, children and teens in both 

English and Metric measurements.

Cyberkitchen

Shape Up America!

Web site: http://www.shapeup.org/kitchen/kitchen_0.html

Description: Shows how to balance food intake with physical activity. Also provides 

information on how to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through interactive 

assessment, meal planning, and recipes.

Healthy Body Calculator

Ask the Dietitian - Joanne Larsen, MS, RD, LD

Web site: http://www.dietitian.com/calcbody.php

Description: Calculates body mass index (BMI), and provides information on nutrient 

composition, body shape, and corresponding disease risk. This Web site also gives

personalized suggested activities for weight loss.

HealthyDiningFinder.com

Healthy Dining

Web site: http://www.healthydiningfinder.com

Description: Searches for healthier meals at restaurants ranging from fast food to fine 

dining. Corresponding nutrition information such as calories, fat, and sodium is also 

provided.

How Active Are You? Calorie Calculator

Center for Science in the Public Interest 

Web site: http://www.cspinet.org/nah/09_03/calorie_calc.html

Description: Determines a targeted calorie intake determined by a person’s gender, age, 

height, weight and activity level. 

Interactive Menu Planner

DHHS, NIH, NHLBI, Obesity Education Initiative

Web site: http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/menuplanner/menu.cgi

Description: Guides daily food and meal choices based on a person’s daily calorie needs. 
 

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Make Your Calories Count: Use the Nutrition Facts Label for Healthy Weight 

Management

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Web site: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/NFLPM/ucm275438.htm

Description: Interactive learning program that provides users with information to help plan a 

healthful diet while managing calorie intake.

MyPlate – SuperTracker and Other Tools

USDA, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Web site: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/supertracker-tools.html

Description: Links to various interactive tools and resources to help users plan, analyze, 

and track food choices and physical activity. Calorie and fats charts, a BMI calculator, and 

daily food plans are also included. See direct link to the SuperTracker Web site:

 SuperTracker: https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/

Allows users to compare food choices to recommendations and nutrient needs, 

assess personal physical activity, and set a personal calorie goal.

Nutriinfo Health eTools

Nutriinfo.com, Minu Interactive, Inc.

Web site: http://www.nutriinfo.com/etools/etools.jsp

Description: Calculates body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, daily caloric needs, calories 

burned during exercise, and find local health professionals. Each tool provides information 

about health status and weight loss goals. eTools are free to download.

Portion Distortion

DHHS, NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Web site: http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/

Description: Interactive Web site with two quizzes to compare portion sizes now and 20 

years ago.

USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory

Web site: http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/

Description: Provides detailed nutrient analysis for over 8,000 foods.

3. Evaluating Popular Diets and Weight Loss Methods

Brochures, Booklets, and Tools

Weight-control Information Network

DHHS, NIH, National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Web site: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

Description: Provides the general public, health professionals, the media, and Congress 

with up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and 

related nutritional issues.

Ordering Information:
 

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The Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3665

Phone: 1-877-946-4627 

Fax: 202-828-1028

Publications Order Form: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/order/orderpub.htm

Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov

Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-loss Program

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/choosing.htm

Description: Provides guidance about speaking to your health care professional 

about weight loss and gathering the best information before choosing a program.

Weight Cycling

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/cycling.htm

Description: Discusses the myths and realities of repeated weight loss and regain.

Weight-loss and Nutrition Myths: How Much Do You Really Know?

Full text: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/pubs/myths/index.htm

Description: Provides information about the myths and realities of weight loss in an 

easy to follow question and answer format.

Web Sites

Ask the Dietitian: Nutrition Information on the Internet

Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute

Web site: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/askdietician/ask7_01.aspx

Description: Provides strategies for deciphering between a science-based Web site and a 

less reliable—or even fraudulent—one.

Consumer Diet and Lifestyle Book Reviews

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Web site: http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=264

Description: Provides links to brief reviews of popular diet books by Academy of Nutrition 

and Dietetics spokespeople.

Evaluating Weight Control Programs

USDA, National Agricultural Library (NAL), Food and Nutrition Information Center

Web site: http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/weight-and-obesity/evaluating-weight-control-programs

Description: Links to a variety of articles, brochures, and publications to help consumers 

decipher weight and diet claims.
 

16

High-Protein Diets

American Heart Association 

Web site: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/High-ProteinDiets_UCM_305989_Article.jsp

Description: Background information and a recommendation against high-protein diets 

from the American Heart Association.

Quick-Weight-Loss or Fad Diets 

American Heart Association

Web site: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Quick-WeightLoss-or-Fad-Diets_UCM_305970_Article.jsp

Description: Overviews ways to spot fad diets, including discussion of the flaws of these 

types of diets.

Weighing the Claims in Diet Ads 

Federal Trade Commission

Web site: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0061-weighing-claims-diet-ads

Description: Gives examples of hot topics and false claims consumers should be aware of 

when evaluating weight loss ads.

Weight Loss & Fitness

Federal Trade Commission

Web site: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/weight-loss-fitness

Description: Links to featured publications and facts for consumers on potential risks of 

dietary supplements, evaluating diet ads, and buying exercise equipment.

What You Should Know About Popular Diets

USDA, Nutrition.gov

Web site: http://www.nutrition.gov/weight-management/what-you-should-know-aboutpopular-diets

Description: Provides links to consumer resources on evaluating popular diets and weight 

loss programs.

4. Supervised Approaches to Weight Loss 

DISCLAIMER:

People considering bariatric surgery (i.e., use of a band or staples to reduce the size of the 

stomach and/or restructuring of the digestive tract), medication, or a special diet (e.g., very 

low-calorie) for weight loss should first consult with a physician who can help them 

determine which, if any, of these methods are appropriate given their health and medical 

needs.
 

17

Books

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery

Margaret Furtado, MS, RD, LDN, RYT and Joseph Ewing

New York: Alpha Books, 2009, 384 pp.

ISBN: 978-1592579518

Description: Discusses what to expect after surgery and proper nourishment while keeping 

the weight off post-surgery, and addresses challenges and how to overcome them. Also 

provides meal plans and recipes.

Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies, 2nd Edition

Marina Kurian, MD, FACS, Barbara Thompson, and Brian K. Davidson

Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2012, 384 pp.

ISBN: 1118293185

Description: Discusses who should consider weight loss surgery, types of procedures, and 

provides input on selecting medical centers and surgical teams to achieve a desired result. 

Also gives tips for preparing meals and eating well post-operatively.

Brochures, Booklets, and Tools

Weight-control Information Network

DHHS, NIH, National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Web site: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm

Description: Provides the general public, health professionals, the media, and Congress 

with up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and 

related nutritional issues.

Ordering Information:

The Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3665

Phone: 1-877-946-4627 

Fax: 202-828-1028

Publications Order Form: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/order/orderpub.htm

Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov

Bariatric Surgery for Severe Obesity

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm

Description: Reviews what the surgery entails, and discusses risks and benefits as 

well as the cost involved. Also provides additional resources.

Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/prescription.htm 

Description: Discusses uses of specific types of medications, their benefits/risks, as 

well as who might benefit from the use of these medications. The pamphlet ends with a 

frequently asked questions section.
 

18

Very Low-calorie Diets

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/low_calorie.htm

Description: Discusses the uses and dangers of very low calorie diets (typically, less 

than 800 calories per day) for weight loss.

Web Sites

Gastric Bypass Diet: What to Eat After the Surgery

MayoClinic.com, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastric-bypass-diet/MY00827/METHOD=print

Description: Describes a diet specifically designed for people who have just had gastric 

bypass surgery and notes changes to eating habits to ensure safe weight loss. Risks of not 

following a gastric bypass diet as directed by a physician are also included.

Obesity Treatments: Bariatric Surgery

Obesity Action Coalition

Web site: http://www.obesityaction.org/obesity-treatments/bariatric-surgery

Description: Discusses types of weight-loss surgery, indications for surgery, advantages 

and potential complications of each one, and advises careful consultation with a doctor 

before deciding whether surgery is the right option.

Obesity Treatments: Physician-supervised Weight-loss

Obesity Action Coalition

Web site: http://www.obesityaction.org/obesity-treatments/physician-supervised-programs

Description: Reviews weight management options, including diet and behavior 

modification, medication, and referrals to related services, under the guidance of a 

physician.

Over-the-Counter Weight-loss Pills: Do They Work? 

MayoClinic.com, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Web site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/HQ01160/METHOD=print

Description: A review of several non-prescription weight-loss pills (including herbal or 

dietary supplements), and the claims, side effects, and potential pitfalls of weight-loss pills.

Weight Loss Surgery

NIH, National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus

Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/weightlosssurgery.html

Description: Provides a brief overview of weight loss surgery, and gives links to overviews, 

news, and related issues.
 

19

D. Weight Management Resources for Children and Adolescents

Books

Eat! Move! Play! A Parent’s Guide for Raising Healthy, Happy Kids

Weight Watchers

Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2010, 240 pp.

ISBN: 9780470474204

Description: Guides parents in teaching their children how to develop a positive body 

image, choose healthy foods (includes recipes), and exercise regularly. 

Healthy Eating, Healthy Weight for Kids and Teens

Jodie Shield, MEd, RD and Mary Catherine Mullen, MS, RD

Chicago, IL: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2012, 288 pp.

ISBN: 0983725500

Description: Resource for parents that provides tips and strategies to promote a healthy 

weight in school age children using eight successful strategies as recommended by the 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Includes menus and recipes for families with children.

Keeping Kids Fit: A Family Plan for Raising Active, Healthy Children

Len Saunders

New York, NY: La Chance Publishing LLC, 2010, 225 pp.

ISBN: 1934184268

Description: Presents parents and caregivers with activity ideas and suggestions for 

promoting a healthy family lifestyle. It includes nutrition information and a list of exercises.

Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right

Joanna Dolgoff, MD

New York, NY: Rodale Inc., 2010, 272 pp.

ISBN: 1605294845

Description: Book for parents that uses the method of using traffic light colors to divide 

food into three categories – Go, Slow, and Uh Oh – to help families make healthy choices in 

their diet.

Brochures, Booklets, and Tools

Childhood Nutrition: Preventing Obesity

InJoy Videos, 2012

Description: This 2-volume DVD set provides parents and caregivers with information to 

help prevent childhood obesity starting from birth through age 5. Information is provided on 

breastfeeding, starting solids, selecting baby foods, promoting family meals, increasing food 

variety and reducing mealtime conflicts. 

Ordering Information:

Phone: 800-326-2082 Fax: 303-449-8788

Web site: www.injoyvideos.com
 

20

Eat Right & Move: Healthy Living for Young Families

Joanna Wiggins Garofalo

Franklin, VA: LA Publishing, 2010

Description: This booklet outlines basic tips and ideas for parents and is separated into 

two sections on nutrition and physical activity.

Ordering Information:

LA Publishing, LLC

P.O. Box 773

Franklin, VA 23851

Phone: 800-397-5833 Fax: 804-744-602 

Email: office@breastfeedingbooks.com

Happy Mealtimes & Healthy Kids

Learning ZoneXpress, 2011

Description: In this DVD, viewers will learn that parents and children have separate roles 

to play in regard to eating: the parent decides what, when, and where food is served; the 

child decides whether or not to eat and if so, how much to eat.

Ordering Information:

Phone: 888-455-7003 Email: customersupport@learningzonexpress.com

Web site: http://www.learningzonexpress.com/

Help Me Be Healthy Series

Crabtree and Company, Inc.

Description: Offers guidance on child health and nutrition issues from birth through five 

years of age. Also available in Spanish.

Ordering Information: 

Crabtree and Company, Inc. 

200 Park Avenue

Falls Church, VA 22046

Phone: 888-531-9001 ext. 102

Email: info@helpmebehealthy.net

Online ordering: http://helpmebehealthy.net/order.html 

Helping Your Child: Tips for Parents 

DHHS, NIH, NIDDK, Weight-control Information Network

Full text: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/child.htm

Description: Highlights ways parents can encourage healthy eating and physical activity 

within their families.

Ordering Information:

The Weight-control Information Network

1 WIN Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3665

Phone: 1-877-946-4627 Fax: 202-828-1028

Publications Order Form: http://win.niddk.nih.gov/order/orderpub.htm

Email: win@info.niddk.nih.gov
 

21

Your Child’s Healthy Weight

Channing Bete Company Inc., 2011

Description: This booklet provides ways to help a child develop healthy eating habits, 

shape a child's attitude toward food and exercise. It discusses how to tell if a child is 

overweight and how being overweight can impact children's physical and emotional health.

Ordering Information:

Phone: 800-477-4776 Email: custsvcs@channing-bete.com

Web site: www.channing-bete.com/

Web Sites

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

American Heart Association; William J. Clinton Foundation

Web site: http://www.healthiergeneration.org

Description: Works to reduce childhood obesity by 2015 and encourage kids to make 

healthy choices. Provides resources for teachers, parents, and healthcare providers to help 

kids eat healthier and move more.

BMI Percentile Calculator for Child and Teen

DHHS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Web site: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx

Description: Calculates body mass index (BMI) for children and teens ages 2-19 years. 

Information on interpreting BMI values can be found on a corresponding Web page, “About 

BMI for Children and Teens,” located here: 

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_BMI/about_childrens_BMI.html

Childhood Obesity Facts

DHHS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Web site: http://cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/

Description: Provides data and statistics, along with links to science-based strategies that 

schools and communities can use to combat childhood obesity. 

Childhood Overweight

Obesity Society

Web site: http://www.obesity.org/resources-for/childhood-overweight.htm

Description: Provides prevalence of childhood obesity as well as tips to help parents and 

caregivers establish healthy eating patterns with kids.

A Healthy Weight

DHHS, Office on Women’s Health

Web site: http://girlshealth.gov/nutrition/healthyweight/index.cfm

Description: Advice for girls ages 10 to 16 on how to achieve a healthy weight.
 

22

Is Dieting OK for Kids?

Nemours Foundation

Full text: 

http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=119&article_s

et=22521

Description: Discusses why dieting may be inappropriate for children and provides 

suggestions for things kids can do to stay at a healthy weight.

Let’s Move!

The White House; USDA; DHHS; Department of Education; Department of the Interior

Web site: http://www.letsmove.gov

Description: Supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive initiative dedicated to 

solving the problem of obesity within a generation. Provides access to resources on healthy 

eating, getting active, taking action and joining the movement. 

MyPlate for Preschoolers and Children Over Five

USDA, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

 MyPlate for Preschoolers

Web site: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers.html

Description: Encourages healthy eating and physical activity behaviors for children 

ages 2-5. Includes sections on growth, dealing with a picky eater, and food safety.

 MyPlate for Children Over Five

Web site: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/children-over-five.html

Description: Designed to motivate children ages 6-11 to make healthy food choices 

and be physically active. The Web site includes worksheets, an online game and tips 

for parents.

Nourish Interactive

Nourish Interactive

Web site: http://www.nourishinteractive.com/

Description: Includes online games, blogs, health-hint calendars, and newsletters for kids 

as well as lesson plans and worksheets for parents.

Obesity: Healthychildren.org

American Academy of Pediatrics

Web site: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthissues/conditions/obesity/Pages/default.aspx

Description: Provides various articles and resources on childhood obesity and its 

prevention among children and teens, and offers assessment and evaluation worksheets 

(e.g., assessing your home environment and evaluating snacking behaviors) for parents. 
 

23

Obesity in Children

Obesity Action Coalition

Web site: http://www.obesityaction.org/understanding-obesity-in-children

Description: Defines childhood obesity and explains potential causes of childhood obesity. 

Also discusses appropriate measures of weight for children, addresses the stigma of 

childhood obesity, and provides kid-friendly resources in the “Kid’s Corner.”

Obesity in Children

NIH, National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus

Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/obesityinchildren.html

Description: Provides an overview of obesity in children and links to helpful resources on 

news, treatment and prevention.

Reducing Childhood Obesity

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Web site: http://www.eatright.org/childhoodobesity/

Description: Resources for parents and care-givers to teach children about healthy foods, 

practice what they teach and make sure physical activity is incorporated into each day. 

Tips for Parents – Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight

DHHS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html

Description: Addresses concerns related to the risks of childhood obesity and provides tips 

on how parents can help prevent it.

We Can! Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition

DHHS, NIH, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Web site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/

Description: Supports families and communities in helping children maintain a healthy 

weight. The program focuses on improving food choices, increasing physical activity and 

reducing screen time. Spanish materials also available here: 

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/espanol/index.htm. 

This resource list was updated and compiled by:

Kathleen Pellechia, RD, Nutrition Information Specialist

Sara Wilson, MS, RD, Nutrition Information Specialist

Acknowledgment is given to the following FNIC reviewers:

Jennifer Mitchell, BA, Nutrition Information Assistant

Shirley King Evans, EdM, RD, Budget Analyst
 

24

This publication was developed in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the 

Department of Nutrition and Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Natural 

Resources at the University of Maryland.

Locate additional FNIC publications at http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/resourcelists.

Food and Nutrition Information Center

Agricultural Research Service, USDA

National Agricultural Library, Room 108

10301 Baltimore Avenue

Beltsville, MD 20705-2351

Phone: 301-504-5414

Fax: 301-504-6409

TTY: 301-504-6856

Contact: http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/contact

Web site: http://fnic.nal.usda.gov

The National Agricultural Library (NAL) provides lending and photocopying services to U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees. Non-USDA users can obtain materials from 

NAL through the interlibrary lending services of their local, corporate, or university library. 

For further information on NAL’s document delivery services visit their Web site at

http://www.nal.usda.gov/nal-services/request-library-materials.

For questions on document delivery services please call 301-504-5717 or submit a question 

at http://www.nal.usda.gov/ask-question-3.

The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication (or page) is for the 

information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official 

endorsement or approval by the USDA or the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of any 

product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, 

national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, 

parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or 

because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance 

program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program 

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 

202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). 

To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 

Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800-632-9992 (voice) or 

202-401-0216 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.