Background
The Texas Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention (NPAOP) Program serves as a leader using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended strategies and Healthy People 2020 guidance to encourage implementing evidence-based strategies and interventions. DSHS’s response to the high levels of overweight and obesity in Texas is based on this sound evidence and is coordinated across the agency’s programs as well as with external partners at the national, state, and community levels. Within DSHS, the Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention Program (NPAOP) is responsible for coordinating the obesity prevention activities with the Texas Title V Office, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Worksite Wellness, School Health, and chronic disease prevention programs that address diabetes, heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, and others. The agency firmly believes that no one program, agency, or organization can reverse the obesity epidemic by itself, but collectively they can make a difference.
Vision
A Texas where healthy eating and active living are the Texas way of life.
Mission
To provide Texas communities with the tools to create environments that support healthy eating and active living for the purpose of reducing obesity.
Goal
To improve the health and quality of life for Texas residents through improved nutrition and increased levels of physical activity.
Target Areas
- Increase physical activity.
- Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
- Decrease the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Increase breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.
- Reduce the consumption of high-energy-dense foods.
- Decrease television viewing.