Healthiest Weight

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being – not simply the absence of disease. The choices we make on a daily basis about what we eat, how much we move and how we manage stress affect our overall health today and in the future. We can reduce our risk for chronic diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease through healthy eating, regular physical activity and reaching or maintaining a healthy weight.

Other important tips for good health include:

• Get enough sleep on a regular basis (needs vary)
• Find healthy ways to manage stress (laugh more, try a new hobby or sport)
• Make time to connect with friends and family (take time out from social media)
• Engage in activities that are spiritually fulfilling (church, meditation, yoga)

Healthiest Weight Initiative 

The number one public health threat to Florida's future is unhealthy weight. Currently, only 36 percent of Floridians are at healthy weight. On our current trend, by 2030, almost 60 percent will be obese. Additionally, six out of ten children born today will be obese by the time they graduate high school.

Over the next 20 years in Florida, obesity is expected to contribute to millions of cases of preventable chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, costing an estimated $34 billion. To address this important public health issue, the Department of Health launched the Healthiest Weight Florida initiative in January 2013.

Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not for profit organizations, businesses, and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living.

The 2020-2021 Healthiest Weight workplan includes seven healthy places; Breastfeeding, Early Care & Education, Worksites, Health Care Settings, Communities and Build Environments.

Where do I begin? Resources for getting started: 

Healthiest Weight Florida- http://www.healthiestweightflorida.com/ (Clicking this link will take you outside the DOH-Bay webpage and will open in a new window)

MyPlate- http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ (Clicking this link will take you outside the DOH-Bay webpage and will open in a new window)

Prevention, Safety and Wellness- https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/index.html (Clicking this link will open a new window)