To eliminate this, problem obesity is often estimated from weight standards that are adjusted for body frame. Carefully measured weight and height remain the most easily performed and useful means to determine nutritional status and to predict mortality for the general population. The increase in the prevalence of overweight is a result of a shift in energy balance in which energy taken in from food is greater than energy used in physical activity. Such a diet enables individuals to maintain good lifelong dietary habits. Regular physical activity, too, is important to successful weight management.
Physical activity burns excess calories and improves the body's overall fitness.
Rigid, calorie-restricted diets are not recommended for weight management. They limit the type, amount, palatability, and variety of food intake. Often, they are nutritionally unbalanced, unsafe, and difficult to follow. Since weight management is difficult for most people, the Healthy People 2000 goals set for adults are ambitious. However, any reduction in the prevalence of overweight individuals provides considerable public health benefits and deserves attention and emphasis.