Health Topics
Childhood Obesity

	ON THIS PAGE Data & Statistics Science-based Strategies Policy Guidance National, State, and Local Programs References SEE ALSO Nutrition Publications and Links Physical Activity Publications and Links TV PROGRAM Connect With Kids: The Biggest Generation

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.

• Food and Beverages Sold Outside of the School Meal Programs [pdf 197K]
• Health Education [pdf 169K]
• Nutrition [pdf 188K]
• Physical Activity [pdf 195K]
• Physical Education [pdf 172K]
• Physical Education for Students with Disabilities [pdf 195K]

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.

• Dietary Behaviors (in Youth Online)
• Physical Activity (in Youth Online)
• Obesity, Dietary Behaviors and Weight Control Practices [pdf 137K]
• Physical Activity [pdf 96K]
• Childhood Obesity Fact Sheets. YRBS and School Health Profiles results by available states and districts.
• Obese Youth Over Time — 2007, 2005, and 2003. These maps show the percentage of obese high school students in selected U. S. 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.

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.

		Ch.7:	Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for a Healthier Nation [pdf 370K]
		Ch.9:	Building a Healthier Future Through School Health Programs [pdf 400K]

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

1. 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.
    
2. Daniels SR, Arnett DK, Eckel RH, et al. Overweight in Children and Adolescents: Pathophysiology, Consequences, Prevention, and Treatment. Circulation. 2005;111;1999-2002.
    
3. 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. 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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Page last reviewed: October 20, 2008
Page last modified: October 20, 2008
Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health

Division of Adolescent and School Health
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Department of Health and Human Services