|
|
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, examines current practices, and reviews 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.
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.
Nutrition Standards for Foods
In Schools: Leading the Way Toward Healthier Youth. This report, published by
the Institute of Medicine (IOM), provides nutrition guidance for schools
seeking to implement or improve upon their current wellness policies. The
report includes the IOM’s recommendations about nutrition standards for foods
offered in competition with federally reimbursable meals and snacks.
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.
Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool
The Physical Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (PECAT) will help school districts
conduct a clear, complete, and consistent analysis of written physical education
curricula, based upon national physical education standards. The PECAT is
customizable to include local standards. The results from the analysis can
help school districts enhance existing curricula, develop their own curricula,
or select a published curriculum, for the delivery of quality physical education
in schools.
Health Education
Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT) The Health Education Curriculum Analysis
Tool (HECAT) can help school districts, schools, and others conduct a clear,
complete, and consistent analysis of health education curricula based on the
National Health Education Standards and CDC’s Characteristics of Effective
Health Education Curricula. The HECAT results can help schools select or develop
appropriate and effective health education curricula and improve the delivery of
health education to address healthy eating, physical activity and other health
education topics. The HECAT can be customized to meet local community needs
and conform to the curriculum requirements of the state or school district.
2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The Guidelines provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about
how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic
diseases. They serve as the basis for Federal food and nutrition education programs.
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines
for Americans.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued the 2008
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines, the first to
be issued by the federal government, present science-based recommendations
to help persons aged 6 years or older improve their health through physical activity.
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.
Back to Top
* |
Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at this link.
|
|
Documents on this page are available in
Portable Document Format (PDF). Learn more about viewing and printing
these documents with Acrobat
Reader. |
|
|