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Health Topics
Childhood Obesity
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:
 CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
Child and Teen BMI Calculator
General information on healthy eating and physical activity in
childhood and adolescence:
Nutrition and the Health of Young
People
Physical Activity and the Health of Young People
Data & Statistics
School Health Policies and Programs Study
SHPPS is a national survey periodically conducted to assess school health
policies and programs at the state, district, school, and classroom
levels, including those related to nutrition and physical activity.
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
The YRBSS monitors behaviors that contribute markedly to the leading
causes of death, disability, and social problems among young people and adults in
the United States.
Science-based Strategies
The
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 Guidance
Local 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 Programs
CDC'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:
 |
Promising Practices in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control.
Atlanta: CDC, 2003. |
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
- Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Flegal KM. High Body Mass Index
for Age Among US Children and Adolescents, 2003-2006. JAMA.
2008;299(20):2401-2405.
- Daniels SR, Arnett DK, Eckel RH, et al. Overweight in
Children and Adolescents: Pathophysiology, Consequences, Prevention, and
Treatment. Circulation. 2005;111;1999-2002.
- Freedman DS, Dietz WH, Srinivasan SR, Berenson GS.
The relation of overweight to cardiovascular risk factors among children
and adolescents: the Bogalusa Heart Study. Journal of Pediatrics
1999;103(6):1175-1182.
- 4. U.S. Surgeon General. Overweight and Obesity:
Health Consequences [http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_consequences.htm].
Rockville: MD. 2001. Web site accessed June 25, 2008.
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