Shape Up US Month – Jan. 1, 2027

Shape Up US Month
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Tags:
DiseasesLifestyle
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every January
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Shape Up US Month inspires Americans to prioritize health and wellness throughout January. This month-long campaign encourages individuals, families, and communities to adopt healthier habits, combat obesity, and improve overall well-being. Discover resources, set fitness goals, and join a nationwide movement toward a healthier future.

Want to sponsor Shape Up US Month? Learn how

Expected Shape Up US Month Deals

As a Cause holiday focused on public health, Shape Up US Month drives awareness and participation rather than commercial deals. However, many health and wellness brands offer special promotions. Look for fitness challenges and discounts from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour on activewear and gear. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s often highlight healthy eating options and offer sales on nutritious foods. Local gyms and fitness studios like Orangetheory Fitness and Planet Fitness may waive initiation fees or offer trial memberships to encourage new sign-ups. Non-profits like Shape Up US itself will promote donation drives and community events. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as January approaches.

Platform Guide for Shape Up US Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ShapeUpUSMonth. Share your fitness journey, healthy meal prep, or wellness tips through engaging Reels and Stories.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ShapeUpUSMonth. Join or create community groups focused on health challenges and share motivational content.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #ShapeUpUSMonth. Share quick health facts, workout routines, and inspiring quotes to encourage others to get active.

Social Media Tips for Shape Up US Month

Individuals

Set a personal health goal for the month, like walking 10,000 steps daily or trying a new healthy recipe each week. Share your progress and inspire friends.

Creators

Develop a 30-day fitness challenge or a series of healthy cooking tutorials. Partner with local gyms or nutritionists to offer expert advice and engagement.

Brands

Launch a month-long wellness campaign featuring product discounts, free virtual fitness classes, or a donation match program for a health-focused non-profit.

Organizations & Brands for Shape Up US Month

  1. Shape Up US

    Founded by Jyl Steinback, Shape Up US is a national non-profit organization dedicated to combating childhood obesity and promoting health and wellness for all ages through education and community programs.

  2. Nike

    Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, Nike is a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories. The brand inspires millions to embrace an active lifestyle.

  3. MyFitnessPal

    Launched in 2005, MyFitnessPal is a popular health and fitness app that helps users track diet and exercise. It offers a vast food database and tools to monitor calorie intake and activity levels, supporting weight management goals.

  4. WeightWatchers

    Founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch, WeightWatchers (WW) is a global company offering products and services to assist in healthy habits, weight loss, and maintenance. It's known for its points-based system and community support.

  5. American Heart Association

    The American Heart Association, founded in 1924, is a national voluntary health organization that funds cardiovascular medical research, educates consumers on healthy living, and promotes appropriate cardiac care.

  6. Gatorade

    Developed in 1965 by a team of scientists at the University of Florida, Gatorade is a leading brand of sports-themed beverage and food products. It's designed to help athletes rehydrate and replenish electrolytes during physical activity.

  7. Fitbit

    Founded in 2007 by James Park and Eric Friedman, Fitbit is an American consumer electronics and fitness company. It produces activity trackers, smartwatches, and other devices that monitor health metrics like steps, heart rate, and sleep.

Shape Up US Month Hero

Jyl Steinback

Jyl Steinback is the founder and CEO of Shape Up US, the organization behind Shape Up US Month. A passionate advocate for health and wellness, Steinback established the non-profit to combat the obesity epidemic and empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives through education and accessible resources.

History of Shape Up US Month

Shape Up US Month is a campaign that is organized throughout January by an organization of the same name. The organization aims to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles so that children and their support systems have the education they need to make healthy choices about food and physical activity.

Shape Up US Month aims to work against the epidemic of obesity across the country and diseases associated with obesity like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Obesity is a major health issue in the U.S., which significantly increases the mortality rate of people in addition to making them more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. People with obesity tend to spend more on medical expenses and tend to die from metabolic diseases at a young age.

Over 60% of the people in the country suffer from obesity. The primary causes of obesity are linked to a lack of information on what classifies as healthy food and what is an appropriate quantity. The majority of people trying to live healthier lives attempt to do so by eating fat-free or carb-free foods. However, that has nothing to do with the relative nutrition levels of the food.

That is why Shape Up US Month aims to empower people by giving them the information they need. The organization has designed wellness curriculums for elementary schools, as well as connecting communities with national organizations in the field of health and wellness. These organizations provide communities with information and studies on food, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that they can incorporate sustainably.

Shape Up US Month timeline

2001
A Public Health Priority

The country’s Surgeon General notes that over 60% of the country is obese.

2002
Creating a Difference is Founded

A non-profit organization called Creating a Difference is founded to raise awareness about healthy lifestyle options.

2010
Shape Up US Gets Its Name

Creating a Difference is renamed and begins with its first Health and Wellness Expo in October 2009.

2014
Number of Participants Increases

The Shape Up US organization works on expos to share information with communities where over 8,000 people and 150 businesses participated, the largest number until then.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Shape Up US Month

Local businesses can actively participate in Shape Up US Month by promoting wellness among their employees and customers. Gyms and fitness studios can offer discounted memberships or free introductory classes throughout January. Restaurants can feature special healthy menu items or ‘Shape Up’ meal bundles. Retailers selling activewear or health products can run promotions and host in-store wellness workshops. Consider partnering with local health organizations for educational seminars or sponsoring community fitness events to demonstrate a commitment to public health.

Shape Up US Month FAQs

When is Shape Up US Month?

In 2027, Shape Up US Month will again be observed throughout January, providing ample opportunity to set and achieve health goals. This annual observance is a great way to maintain momentum from the previous year.

How many Americans are affected by obesity?

The prevalence of obesity remains a critical health concern, with millions of Americans facing related health issues. Shape Up US Month in 2027 continues its mission to reduce these numbers through education and active participation.

What are the health benefits of regular exercise?

Beyond physical benefits, consistent physical activity in 2027 can also boost mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. It’s a foundational element for a balanced and healthy life.

What is the mission of Shape Up US?

The core mission of Shape Up US in 2027 remains focused on fostering a culture of wellness for children and adults alike. They offer tools and support to assess wellness needs and implement effective health strategies.

How to Observe Shape Up US Month

  1. Attend a Shape Up US expo

    The expos are open to the public and free for all attendants. They are a great opportunity to interact with the community and participate in discussions about wellness.

  2. Become a teacher with Shape Up US

    Rio Salado College offers a course in partnership with the organization that trains teachers in health and wellness. This is a great way to learn the latest in health and wellness and take it to the community.

  3. Participate in a cooking demo

    Compete in a National Cooking Demo at the Shape and Wellness Expos, and show off your tastiest, healthiest dishes! You can use the demo to get people excited about healthy food.

5 Facts About Obesity You Need To Know

  1. Childhood obesity is increasing

    19% of children between six to 19 years are either overweight or obese.

  2. Childhood obesity is on the rise

    Between the 1980s to the 2010s obesity doubled among children between two to five years and tripled in children over six years.

  3. Obesity is more dangerous than smoking

    According to the Surgeon General, the preventable comorbidities that develop as a result of obesity are much worse than those that develop from smoking.

  4. Obesity makes people susceptible to cancer

    Correlations have been found between obesity and certain cancers.

  5. Nutrition education is vital

    Nutrition education makes an impact on children’s lives by giving them the information they need to make healthier choices.

Why Shape Up US Month is Important

  1. We want to know about wellness

    We know that our information about nutrition and exercise is probably not the latest. We want to take this opportunity to brush up on our information and make healthy lifestyle choices.

  2. We need the help

    We have been dieting and exercising, but it is hard to do it on our own. We would love the community’s support so that we know that we are doing things in the right way and that we are not alone.

  3. We want to contribute to the community

    A big part of Shape Up US Month is to strengthen ties between communities and share information. We want to use the opportunity to share all the information we have about wellness with our community.

Shape Up US Month dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 1 Friday
2028 January 1 Saturday
2029 January 1 Monday
2030 January 1 Tuesday
2031 January 1 Wednesday