Being physically active and eating fewer calories will help you lose weight and keep the weight off over time.

While people vary quite a bit in the amount of physical activity they need for weight control, many can maintain their weight by doing 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking.

People who want to lose a large amount of weight (more than 5 percent of their body weight)—and people who want to keep off the weight that they’ve lost—may need to be physically active for more than 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.

For more information on these recommendations, check out the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Or check out the National Heart, Lung and Blood Disease Institute fact sheet on physical activity.

The Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) was established as a national not-for-profit organization in the mid 1980's through the efforts of a number of forward-thinking business and health leaders. 

Today, WELCOA has become one of the most respected resources for workplace wellness in America. With a membership in excess of 3,200 organizations, WELCOA is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all working Americans. 

Our Beliefs

Predicated on improving the health and well-being of working Americans throughout the United States, WELCOA adheres to a steadfast set of beliefs. Indeed, we believe:

• Healthcare costs are an issue of significant concern.
• A healthy workforce is essential to America's continued growth and prosperity.
• Much of the illness in the U.S. is directly preventable.
• The workplace is an ideal setting to address health and well-being.
• That workplace wellness programs can transform corporate culture and change lives.

 WELCOA offers many free resources to assist employers with their wellness efforts.  This Nebraska Case Study shows how a very large employer was able to implement a plan throughout the state and reduce its costs through employee participation.

 

HealthyTampaBay.com is a web-based source of population data and community health information.  This site is provided by ONE BAY: Healthy Communities, an initiative focused on uniting our eight-county Tampa Bay region around a culture of health.  This site follows the release of the How Healthy is Tampa Bay? An Assessment of Our Region's Health report and includes over 100 indicators linked to real-time updates. Read more....