more resources

For Kids

Health, Fitness, and Safety: Fitness and Exercise for Grades K-5 U.S. Government Web sites and other resources from Kids.gov

Health, Fitness, and Safety: Fitness and Exercise for Grades 6-8 U.S. Government Web sites and other resources from Kids.gov

Media Smart Youth: Eat, Think, and Be Active! Interactive after-school education program for ages 11 to 13 that teaches about the media and how it can affect health — especially in the areas of nutrition and physical activity. National Institutes of Health

For Parents

We Can!™ How Does Childhood Overweight Affect Your Family’s Health 60-second animation highlights the importance of preventing overweight and obesity. National Institutes of Health

We Can!™ Resources for Parents and the Public practical tips and tools on how families can help prevent childhood overweight and maintain a healthy weight by making smart food choices, increasing physical activity, and reducing screen time. National Institutes of Health

Statistics and Studies

The National Survey of Children's Health Overweight and Physical Activity Among Children: A Portrait of States and the Nation (2005) Chartbook on overweight and physical activity among children, including national- and state-level information on the health and well-being of children, their families, neighborhood environments, and their use of health services. It examines the importance of healthy body weight and regular physical activity, addressing risk factors and possible implications for inadequacy. Health Resources and Services Administration

Childhood Overweight (2007) Two national surveys define childhood overweight, describe prevalence and consequences. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Not Your Father's PE: Obesity, Exercise, and the Role of Schools (2007) Examines physical education (PE) requirements in schools and the contribution of PE to weight loss and the risk of obesity, as well as what happens when States require students to spend more time in the school gym or on the athletic fields. Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research

The Correlation of Youth Physical Activity with State Policies (2004) Estimates the correlation of student physical activity with a variety of State policies and the role of State policies in preventing childhood obesity through physical education and availability of parks and recreation.

Childhood Obesity: Is There Effective Treatment? (2004) Discusses how to calculate body mass index in children and identify those who require further evaluation. Also outlines practical steps to help prevent and treat childhood obesity. Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research