Did you know?
- The prevalence of obesity was 19.3% and affected about 14.4 million children and adolescents.
- Obesity prevalence was 13.4% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.3% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 21.2% among 12- to 19-year-olds.
- It is recommended that students attain 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.
- Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. These are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.
- Middle school teenagers who are physically active and play on sports teams are more satisfied with their life and feel healthier.
- Encouraging students to be physically active before and after school helps them identify activities they enjoy and might engage in the long term.
The CDC offers in-depth Childhood Obesity Facts as well as Adult Obesity Facts and the health effects of obesity, tips for prevention as well as key educational resources.
Helpful information: