Description:
A series of four Netcast lectures on Obesity and Health has been produced for the US Department of Health and Human Services by the College of Public Health, USF. In 2001, the Surgeon General announced a multi-year effort to develop a national action plan for reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the United States. The Surgeon General said the process would be inclusive and collaborative, and would include open public comment periods, listening sessions, federal and non-federal dialogue, interactive workshops and the formation of working groups to implement strategies.

“The prevalence of overweight and obesity has nearly doubled among children and adolescents since 1980,” the Surgeon General told public health and industry leaders attending an international nutrition conference. “It is also increasing in both genders and among all population groups of adults. We want to establish strategies and set priorities so that we can successfully implement obesity prevention efforts that focus on the family and community, schools, work sites, the health care delivery system, and the media.”

Overweight and obesity substantially raise the risk of illness from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, gall bladder disease, arthritis, sleep disturbances and problems breathing, and certain types of cancers. On average, higher body weights are associated with higher death rates.

The number of overweight children, adolescents, and adults has risen over the past four decades. Total costs (medical cost and lost productivity) attributable to obesity alone amounted to an estimated $99 billion in 1995. During 1988-94, 11 percent of children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years were overweight or obese. During the same years, 23 percent of adults aged 20 years and older were considered obese.

Target Audience:
The primary targets for the Netcast lectures are in the following areas: health professionals and health educators in the in Region IX area, ( California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and the US Affiliated Pacific)

Netcast Lecture Length:
Each Netcast lecture will be approximately 60 minutes in length.

Continuing Education Credits:
CEUs will not be provided for any of the lectures via the College of Public Health, USF.