Once again, beyond tracking fitness-related behaviors and promoting physical fitness in the schools, the State's role is relatively limited. Overweight Increasing prevalence of obesity is one outcome of unhealthy diets and lack of exercise. In the period 1995 through 1997, thirty-five percent of New Jersey adults were overweight, and another fifteen percent were obese. However, one-fourth are not trying to control their weight at all. Moreover, the increase in obesity in the population nationally would suggest those who are trying to control their weight have not been successful.
Physicians can be effective in motivating their patients to try to lose weight.
Of obese individuals advised by a doctor to lose weight, over two-thirds report they are actually trying to do so. It is also interesting that, in 1994, only one third of obese individuals surveyed reported having been advised by a physician to lose weight. Physicians may underestimate their ability to influence their adult patients' behaviors with respect to diet, exercise, and use of alcohol and addictive substances. Physicians should be encouraged to stress the modification of these behavioral risks in their discussions with their patients. Violence Violence is viewed by many people as primarily an issue for the criminal justice system in the State.