Obesity

Since 1980, the percentage of overweight children ages 6 to 11 has doubled, and the percentage of overweight adolescents ages 12 to 19 has tripled. Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term serious health impacts. Reversing the obesity epidemic requires a long-term, well-coordinated approach to reach young people where they live, learn, and play. Schools have a big part to play. Working with other public, voluntary, and private sector organizations, schools can play a critical role in reshaping social and physical environments and providing information, tools, and practical strategies to help students adopt healthy lifestyles.

CDC Resources

• CDC Healthy Schools - Obesity
• Tips to Support Healthy Routines for Children and Teens
• School Nutrition
• Physical Education and Physical Activity
• Adolescent Obesity Prevalence: Trends Over Time
• Children's Food Environment State Indicator Report, 2011
• Children's BMI Tool for Schools
• Child/Teen BMI Calculator

National Institutes for Health (NIH) Resources

• Weight of the Nation
  NIH funded HBO Series on Obesity website-In May 2012, an HBO Documentary Films series on obesity, “The Weight of the Nation,” premieres. The four-part series—Consequences, Choices, Children in Crisis, and Challenges—highlights several NIH research advances and addresses the factors contributing to the country’s obesity problem. The films are the centerpiece to a public awareness campaign, which also includes a three-part HBO Family series for kids, 12 short films, a website and social media, and a nationwide community-based outreach effort using free film discussion guides and other tools.