Childhood obesity is an increasing trend in many communities, including Cabarrus County. When the work began, approximately 34% of Cabarrus County residents ages 0-18 years were overweight or obese. Recognizing the potential impact of such a trend, Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast commissioned development of a plan of action to study and make suggestions for changing this trend. With the help of professors from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte College of Health and Human Services Department of Public Health, an action plan was developed and presented that outlined general suggestions for addressing the problem.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion created the Move Your Way campaign to promote the recommendations from the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The campaign encourages consumers to get more physical activity by making the recommendations accessible and achievable.