The Healthy People program (see the status report on healthy lifestyle habits, Table 1-6) has greatly reduced its goals from the previous targets, especially regarding normal and overweight individuals. For instance, the 2010 goal for the segment of the population at a healthful weight was 60%, while the 2020 goal is 34%; the goal for decreasing obesity went from a target of 15% to 31%. While these may be more realistic goals, it’s also a sobering reminder that we are doing a poor job at getting people to make changes that will improve the quality and quantity of their lives!! How can we do a better job?
