As a society, we can no longer afford to make poor health choices such as being physically inactive and eating an unhealthy diet; these choices have led to a tremendous obesity epidemic. As policy makers and health professionals, we must embrace small steps toward coordinated policy and environmental changes that will help Americans live longer, better, healthier lives.—Vice-Admiral Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S, U.S. Surgeon General acting assistant secretary for health, Physical Activity and Good Nutrition: Essential Elements to Prevent Chronic Diseases and Obesity at a Glance 2003 (Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003)

Many obesity researchers and health professionals believe that the most effective way to win the war on obesity is to intensify efforts to prevent overweight and obesity among children, adolescents, and adults. They assert that over time, prevention...