Q1. How many people in the U.S. are affected by overweight and obesity?

A1. Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million obese, and 9 million severely obese. The number of overweight and obese Americans has continued to increase since 1960, a trend that is not slowing down. Today, 64.5 percent of adult Americans are categorized as being overweight or obese.

Q2. What causes obesity?

A2. According to the American Obesity Association, obesity is a complex, multi-factor chronic disease involving environmental (social and cultural), genetic, physiological, metabolic, behavioral and psychological components.

Q3. Is there anything I can do to decrease my chances of becoming obese?

A3. Eating better (and less) and exercise are the key factors to keeping weight off. Talk to your doctor about healthy food options and an exercise program that is right for you.

Q4. How do I assess my risk factors?

A4. Take a health assessment — As part of your UPS-sponsored health plan benefits, UPSer's and their spouses covered by the flexible benefits plan can take a health assessment that offers an in-depth assessment of your lifestyle and factors that impact your health status.

Q5. What kinds of costs are associated with obesity?

A5. The total cost of overweight and obesity in the United States is $117 billion (comparable to the economic costs of cigarette smoking). The direct cost of heart disease related to overweight and obesity is $8.8 billion (17 percent of the total direct cost of heart disease, independent of stroke).

Q6. What are some quick things I can do to start on a healthier path?

A6. Get regular checkups to discover health problems before they become serious, work daily moderate exercise into your life, and learn how to maintain a healthy diet. It's also important to have a relationship with a primary care doctor, even if your health plan doesn't require you to have one. Your doctor can be your most important source for health improvement ideas, and a doctor who knows you well is better equipped to help you get and stay healthy.

Sources: American Council on Science and Health, 2004; American Heart Association, 2004; American Obesity Association, 2005