The resolution designates September as National Obesity Awareness Month in New Jersey, aiming to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and its detrimental effects on health and economic well-being. With over one-third of U.S. adults classified as obese, the resolution highlights the alarming increase in obesity rates in New Jersey, which rose from 12.3 percent in 1995 to 25.6 percent in 2015. If current trends continue, nearly half of New Jersey adults could be obese by 2030. The resolution emphasizes the importance of promoting healthy living habits to combat this growing issue.

To support this initiative, the resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to engage in activities and programs that promote awareness and healthy lifestyles during National Obesity Awareness Month. By designating this month, the resolution seeks to foster a collective effort to address obesity and its associated health risks, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, which are leading causes of preventable death.