The United States is celebrating Healthy Weight Week from January 19th – 25th this year. This is a time to encourage each other to stay active during one of the colder, darker months of the year and is endorsed by everyone from the American Heart Association to the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR). Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight is important because 20% of all cancer diagnoses in the US are related to physical inactivity and an active lifestyle promotes cardiovascular health. Incorporating your pets in your physical activity is a great way to make exercise fun and keep your pet healthy too!
Here are 8 tips from the NFCR to help encourage a healthy weight:
- Make exercise fun
- Take small steps- if you can't fit in a full workout, a short walk is better than nothing
- Drink more water
- Get plenty of quality sleep
- Relax
- Cut back on alcohol
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Set goals
There are a lot of things that go into maintaining a healthy weight. Some we don't have much control over, like our genetics and metabolism. Some we have more control over, like our activity level and diet. In the spirit of One Health though, it is important to understand that not everyone has equitable access to quality food sources and places to safely exercise. Racial and ethnic minorities and low-income communities often experience the most pollution, affecting the air and soil quality of their neighborhoods which in turn affects their ability to exercise outside where they live. These groups are also more likely to face food insecurity.
How are you staying active during these chilly winter months?
References:
Racism as a public health issue in environmental health disparities and environmental justice: working toward solutions - PMC
January 2026: Resolving to embrace healthy living in the New Year! | American Heart Association
Celebrate Healthy Weight Week in 8 Simple Steps - NFCR
Food Insecurity, Neighborhood Food Environment, and Health Disparities: State of the Science, Research Gaps and Opportunities - PMC
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Kaitlyn Andres, MS, MPH
Research Associate
Program for Pet Health Equity
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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