Nutrition

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy and meats, whole grains, and healthy fats within caloric needs while limiting intake of unhealthy fats, added sugars, sodium, and alcohol. People who follow the Dietary Guidelines are at lower risk for overweight and obesity, and chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, but the diets of most Washington residents vary substantially from the recommendations. Poor nutrition has the potential to affect the growth, development, and health status of all people. Pregnant women, infants, children, and older people are especially vulnerable. Poor nutrition includes inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, high food insecurity rates, and low breastfeeding rates. For in-depth data, please go to Nutrition in Washington State (PDF, 112KB)

Physical Activity

People who are physically active benefit from a sense of well-being that comes from physical fitness and an enhanced ability to cope with the stresses of daily life. Compared to their sedentary neighbors, people who are active are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and less likely to develop chronic diseases. Many social and environmental factors influence the decision to be active. Successful strategies to promote physical activity educate the individual and develop policies that create environments to support active lifestyles. For in-depth data, please go to Physical Activity in Washington State (PDF, 91KB)