The latest findings
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(NHANES) show that
more and more children and teens are overweight, continuing the pattern
the survey documented over the past two decades when the number of
overweight children and teens nearly doubled. The initial results for 1999
show 13 percent of children ages 6-11 years are overweight, up from 11
percent in the previous NHANES survey conducted from 1988 to 1994. The
number of overweight teenagers 12-19 years increased from 11 to 14 percent
in the same time period.
"Overweight
children are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other
serious health problems. They are part of an epidemic of overweight and
obesity that must be addressed so that they can lead healthier
lives," said Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan, Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "This survey provides the critical
information we need on overweight, diet, and physical activity to help
develop the strategies for healthier children and families."
The latest data on
overweight are being released today by Dr. Koplan at an open house of the
state-of-the-art mobile examination center. The center is operated by CDC’s
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the Nation’s
most extensive health and nutrition survey. NHANES travels across the
country to reach a representative sample of the U.S. population, and is
currently in DeKalb County where more than 500 county residents will be
asked to take part in the survey. Coincidentally, CDC’s headquarters is
located in DeKalb County.
The NHANES open house
is hosted by Dr. Koplan. The Honorable Cynthia McKinney, who represents
Georgia’s 4th Congressional District in DeKalb County and Johnny Isakson
who represents Georgia’s 6th Congressional District are expected to
attend.
The mobile examination
center utilizes the latest medical technology and is staffed by a team of
health personnel, including a physician, dentist, nutritionists, and
health and laboratory technicians. Tests performed include a physical
examination by a physician, as well as a dietary interview, body
measurements, and dental examination. There is also a fitness test, where
many participants will walk on a treadmill while technicians assess their
cardiovascular health. Survey participants first complete a health
interview conducted in the home by a trained interviewer. No medical care
is provided in the examination center, but medical and dental reports of
findings are offered free to each participant. All individual information
collected in the survey is kept strictly confidential, and privacy is
protected by public law.
NHANES takes the pulse
of the Nation’s health, producing information such as the number of
Americans who have heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory
disease, tuberculosis, and other conditions; the extent of risk factors
such as high cholesterol and overweight; and patterns of environmental
exposure.
The information
gathered by NHANES is used by public health officials, legislators, and
researchers to develop sound health policies, direct and design health
programs and services, and expand the health knowledge for the Nation.
CDC protects people's health and safety by
preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health
decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and
promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national,
and international organizations.