OVERVIEW OF THE CHILDHOOD OBESITY PROBLEM Southern Municipal
Leaders Combating Childhood Obesity Leadership Academy
Slide 2
Childhood Obesity on the Rise 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%. Obesity is
the result of caloric imbalance (too few calories expended for the
amount of calories consumed) and is mediated by genetics and
health. Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for
cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as high cholesterol or high
blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds,
70% of obese children had at least one CVD risk factor. 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. 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. Healthy lifestyle
habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower
the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.
Slide 3
Percentage of Children who are Overweight or at Risk for
Becoming Overweight - Mississippi Grade Overweight or at Risk 2003
Overweight or at Risk 2005 1st26.9%42.1% 2nd31.7%35.2%
3rd42.8%41.9% 4th42.5%50.1% 5th44.7%50.4% 6th34.6%50.7%
7th43.4%54.9% 8th43.2%42.9%
Slide 4
Childhood Obesity is a Subset of Overall Obesity Issue in the
US Overall population obesity trends are rising in the U.S.
Slide 5
Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1985 (*BMI 30, or ~ 30
lbs. overweight for 5 4 person) No Data
