Population and Individual Approaches to the Prevention and Management of Diabetes and Obesity

Obesity and diabetes are affecting the peoples of the Americas at high and increasing rates. National surveys demonstrate that obesity is increasing in prevalence among all age groups; 7% to 12% of children under 5 years old and one-fi fth of adolescents are obese, while rates of overweight and obesity among adults approach 60%. Obesity is the major modifi able risk factor for diabetes.