Obesity in Texas

Being overweight and obese increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and other serious medical conditions. These conditions may impact the quality of life and have substantial economic consequences for our healthcare system. The increasing prevalence of children and adults who are overweight and obese is a serious concern for Texas. The Obesity Prevention Program aims to provide resources and solutions to help.  

The obesity epidemic is a multi-faceted problem that will require changes in our social, economic, and built environments over many years. It is an issue that will require innovative actions, a shared vision, and a collaborative approach to resolving.  Developing and continuing partnerships and collaborations at the state and local levels with a variety of concerned stakeholders is a crucial component to combating overweight and obesity in Texas.  DSHS will continue to provide leadership, human and material resources, and technical assistance to partners and communities to convene, facilitate and collaborate on these priority strategies for addressing the obesity epidemic.  

The Obesity Prevention Priority (OPP) Strategies document was developed in response to Texas’ rising overweight and obesity rates among Texans. While individuals make their own behavior choices, the policies, systems, and environments in which we live guide our choices. The OPP Priority Strategies outlines key evidence-based strategies for reducing obesity in Texas while encouraging collaboration, coordination, and the maximization of resources. The Priority Strategies document is the first step in developing a more collaborative effort to prevent overweight and obesity in Texas.