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![]() National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion ![]() ![]() |
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The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 more than doubled in the past 20 years, going from 6.5% in 1980 to 17.0% in 2006. The rate among adolescents aged 12 to 19 more than tripled, increasing from 5% to 17.6%.1 Obesity is the result of caloric imbalance (too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed) and is mediated by genetics and health.2 An estimated 61% of obese young people have at least one additional risk factor for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.3 In addition, children who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.2,4 Obese young people are more likely than children of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults, and therefore more at risk for associated adult health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.4 Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.2 Make a Difference at Your School: Key Strategies to Prevent Obesity outlines 10 evidence-based strategies for schools to implement in addressing childhood obesity. The Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools article describes the purpose of school-based BMI surveillance and screening programs, examine current practices, and review research on BMI measurement programs. The article summarizes the recommendations of experts, identifies concerns surrounding programs, and outlines needs for future research. Guidance is provided on specific safeguards that need to be addressed before schools decide to collect BMI information. General information about obesity among young people and specific facts about determining the body mass index of children and adolescents:
General information on healthy eating and physical activity in childhood and adolescence:
Data & StatisticsSchool Health Policies and Programs Study
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Science-based StrategiesThe Role of Schools in Addressing Childhood Obesity [pdf 627K] outlines 10 evidence-based strategies for schools to implement in addressing childhood obesity. See Nutrition: School Health Guidelines for strategies most likely to be effective in promoting healthy eating among young people. Information includes the full text as published in the MMWR and more. See Physical Activity: School and Community Guidelines for strategies most likely to be effective in promoting physical activity among young people. Information includes the full text as published in the MMWR, a summary of the guidelines, and more. Making It Happen: School Nutrition Success Stories contains 32 success stories of innovative K-12 schools across the United States that improved their school nutrition environments for foods and beverages sold and offered outside of federal meal programs. Making It Happen includes ideas on what to improve, how to do it, and partners in change. Making It Happen was jointly published with the Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and supported by the U.S. Department of Education.The School Health Index can help schools implement school health guidelines and related strategies. This self-assessment and planning tool enables schools to identify the strengths and weaknesses of health promotion policies and programs and assists schools in developing an action plan for improving the school environment. Physical Activity Brochures are designed to help parents, teachers, and principals increase physical activity among elementary and middle school-aged youth. Registries of Programs Effective in Reducing Youth Risk Behaviors. Various federal agencies have identified youth-related programs that they consider worthy of recommendation based on expert opinion or a review of design and research evidence. These programs focus on different health topics, risk behaviors, and settings, including behaviors that contribute to childhood obesity. Policy GuidanceLocal Wellness Policy Tools & Resources provides links to tools and resources for schools to assist with the development of local wellness policies in accordance with the June 2004 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act (Sec 204). National, State, and Local ProgramsCDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) supports the development and implementation of effective health promotion policies and programs that address priority health risks among youth. For information about the actions that state agencies can implement to address these health risks, see CDC's:
Steps to a HealthierUS is an initiative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that advances the goal of helping Americans live longer, better, and healthier lives. The Steps Cooperative Agreement Program funds 40 communities nationwide to implement school and other community-based programs that address obesity, diabetes, and asthma, as well as their related risk behaviors: physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. We Can! or "Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition" is a national education program developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help prevent childhood obesity in youth ages 8–13. We Can! focuses on programs and activities for parents and families as a primary group for influencing youth. The program provides turn-key resources and programs for parents, caregivers, and youth to encourage healthy eating, increase physical activity, and reduce screen time. References
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Page last reviewed: August 20, 2008
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