As more and more Americans strive to live healthier lifestyles, they are learning and paying attention to a lot of numbers. From blood pressure to cholesterol levels, people are taking notice of the importance the "numbers game" plays in their health. This year, the American Cancer Society and Weight Watchers are encouraging the public to learn one more crucial health number: their body mass index (BMI).
BMI is a calculation using one's height and weight. Knowing one's BMI helps determine if one's weight falls within a healthy range. The higher one's weight, the higher one's BMI, and the greater one's risk for developing many serious health-related problems, including cancer.
On March 2, for the third consecutive year, the American Cancer Society, along with founding sponsor Weight Watchers, International, Inc., will join forces in an effort to educate the nation about BMI and the connection with cancer during the Third Annual Great American Weigh In. Throughout the day, Americans from coast-to-coast will receive a free, no-obligation BMI screening and informational pamphlets on cancer prevention at participating Weight Watchers locations nationwide.
Following in the footsteps of the Great American Smoke Out, which helps educate Americans about the connection between smoking and cancer and encourages them to give up tobacco, the American Cancer Society's Great American Weigh In was established in 2003 as a nationwide public awareness campaign. The campaign was aimed at educating Americans about the important role that eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy weight have on reducing the risk of cancer and motivating them to take steps to make healthy changes in their lives.
It is estimated that about one-third of all cancer deaths that occur each year in the United States can be prevented through a combination of healthier eating habits, regular physical activity and weight control. The American Cancer Society, one of the nation's first organizations to call attention to the relationship between excess weight and cancer risk, encourages Americans to adopt healthier lifestyles not only to reduce cancer risk, but the risk of heart disease and diabetes as well.
"With the current trends of overweight and obesity in the U.S., it is important that Americans are aware of the impact that excess body weight can have on their health," said Colleen Doyle, M.S., R.D., director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society. "Eating well and being active are great steps on the way to better health, and it's never too early to get started."
Karen Miller-Kovach, M.S., R.D., chief scientist at Weight Watchers International, Inc., said, "Maintaining a healthy weight is key to cancer prevention, and one of the best ways to understand the relationship between your weight and health is knowing your BMI."
In addition to the Great American Weigh In March 2, the American Cancer Society and Weight Watchers have a continuing commitment to promoting healthy weight as part of a healthy lifestyle. Throughout the year, Weight Watchers disseminates the American Cancer Society's cancer prevention messages to its staff and members nationally.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering, and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 14 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,300 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Weight Watchers is America's trusted name in weight loss and the global leader in weight-loss services, with approximately 46,000 weekly meetings in 30 countries. Weight Watchers mission is to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. At the heart of Weight Watchers are weekly meetings which provide the coaching and tools to help people make the positive changes required to lose weight and keep it off. Weight Watchers also offers two subscription products for people wanting to follow Weight Watchers online. To learn more about Weight Watchers services, products and publications, visit WeightWatchers.com. To find the nearest Weight Watchers meeting location, call 1-800-651-6000 or click on the Find a Meeting link at the top of our homepage.
