How does childhood obesity affect students’ health and education?

Obesity is one of the most pressing health issues affecting our nation’s students, and can impact children’s ability to reach their full potential.  Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk of a host of health conditions, such as type II diabetes and heart disease, both in childhood and into adulthood.  Obesity is affected primarily by the quality of diet (i.e. calories consumed) and the amount of physical activity in which students engage.  To find data focusing on schools and childhood obesity, go to the Data and Research page on this site.


Sources:  Ogden, C, Carroll M and Flegal K. “High Body Mass Index for Age among US Children and Adolescents, 2003-2006.”  Journal of the American Medical Association,  299(20):2401-2405, May 2008.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2007).