Health and well-being are shaped by many different factors. Among these factors are health-related behaviors, such as, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, social support and stress. These behaviors affect our sense of well-being and significantly influence our risk of many common chronic diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of good health. Research indicates that being either underweight or overweight is associated with poor health outcomes and increased risk of death. Obesity contributes to many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer, which are some of the leading causes of death in the United States. Obesity can also contribute to lower quality of life, difficulty being active, mental health conditions, and costly medical care. However, obesity and other physical health issues can be prevented or managed by healthy lifestyle choices.
