While government can track dietary behaviors and promote eating a balanced diet, the final responsibility for improving their eating habits lies with individuals, supported by their families, communities and health care providers. Fitness Lack of physical activity has been identified as a risk factor for coronary heart disease, colon cancer, non-insulin dependent diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures, obesity, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, among other health problems. In 1997, only thirty-eight percent of adults in New Jersey reported engaging in leisure time physical activity for at least thirty minutes, three or more times per week. Levels of physical activity vary according to race and ethnicity, age, level of education, and income. Adults who are white, have more than twelve years of education, and have higher income levels are more likely to exercise.
Younger adults are also more likely to exercise.
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.