Childhood Obesity Facts

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Obesity is a major health problem in the United States that affects millions of people. Obesity currently affects 1 in 3 adults and more than 34.9% or 78.6 million adults are obese in the United States (Adult Obesity Facts, 2015) An adult is considered to be obese if their Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher. The obesity epidemic is a major health concern, but more concerned is shifting toward the high prevalence of obesity among children. Childhood obesity has quadrupled in adolescents and doubled in children in the past 30 years (Childhood Obesity Facts, 2015). In addition, 1 in 6 or approximately 12.7 million children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese (Childhood Obesity Facts, 2015). For a child to be obese, their BMI is at or …show more content…
Obesity related conditions, as aforementioned, are some of the leading causes of preventable deaths (CDC). For example, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Americans and is a main health consequence of being obese and overweight. Children who are obese are also at greater risk for high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, breathing problems, and psychological and social problems. They are also at risk of becoming obese adults. Therefore, it is important that childhood obesity is prevented and the threat of this generation of children and adolescents having a shorter life span is avoided. Schools are a primary location that can help prevent childhood obesity. Children and adolescents spend a lot of their time at school, which is one reason why schools can play a significant role in the prevention of childhood and adolescent obesity. Educational institutions can provide programs and/or courses that focus on nutrition education, physical activity, healthier food options and serving healthier …show more content…
This is evidenced by a systematic review and meta analysis of 32 school based obesity prevention programs that focused on reducing body mass by using multiple intervention approaches (Sobol-Goldberg, Rabinowitz, & Gross, 2013). Thirty of 32 studies used multiple intervention strategies and lifestyle behaviors, which included physical activity, decreasing sedentary lifestyles, reducing unhealthy eating habits, increasing healthy eating, and parent support( Sobol-Goldberg, Rabinowitz, & Gross, 2013). The effectiveness of this program is based on many factors which includes implementing multiple strategies. The proposed pilot project, Healthy Schools Healthy Kids, also uses a comprehensive approach by including physical activity, nutrition education, parent participation, and behavioral strategies. The study showed that school based interventions are effective and can reduce BMI in children, especially when multiple factors are

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