The cost of obesity in the United States is as high as $147 billion annually.

This figure from the new study from RTI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also stated persons who are obese spent $1,429, or 42 percent, more for medical care in 2006 than those of healthy weight.

Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist, said obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases including heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

“To reverse the obesity epidemic there has to be change to promote healthy lifestyle choices for all people,” Hermann said. “It’s important we educate people about living healthy lifestyles so we can become a healthier society.”

The report, Recommended Community Strategies and Measurements to Prevent Obesity in the United States, includes strategies to promote the availability of affordable healthy food and beverages, encourage breastfeeding, encourage physical activity and limit sedentary activity, support safe communities that support physical activity and encourage communities to organize change.

Hermann said the USDA’s MyPyramid and Dietary Guidelines provide dietary and physical activity recommendations for health as well as weight loss. The MyPyramid’s Web site is  www.mypyramid.gov.

“The amount of food a person needs from each MyPyramid food group will depend on age, gender and level of physical activity. The MyPyramid’s Web site will also provide dietary recommendations to help with weight loss,” she said.

In addition to good nutrition, physical activity is important. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most if not all days of the week is important for health benefits. To prevent weight gain it recommends 60 minutes and 60-90 minutes each day to lose weight or maintain weight loss.

“Develop an eating plan for lifelong health,” Hermann said. “It’s important to stay with the basics of healthy eating and physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.”