In response to the growing epidemic of physical inactivity and associated health problems such as obesity, the US Surgeon General organized a large group of experts who published national recommendations for physical activity to improve health among the nations’ population. This summary was published in 1996 and has been the landmark reference for the public health approach to increasing physical activity levels including setting national goals for the nation (Healthy People 2010).

More information on the Surgeon General’s Report Physical Activity and Health is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/prerep.htm.

More information on the Healthy People 2010 objectives is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/about/otheract/hpdata2010/abouthp.htm.