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More Youth Are Overweight Than Ever

• The rate of overweight children and adolescents has nearly tripled in the last 20 years.
• Approximately 15 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 19 are overweight.
• Overweight and obese youth are more likely to become overweight and obese adults with significant health problems.
• The estimated total annual health cost attributed to obesity is $117 billion.

Possible Roles For Schools

• Research shows that school-based programs can increase physical activity and improve nutrition among students. Currently, fewer than 35 percent of students attend daily physical activity classes, and most schools do not require physical education.
• Schools can encourage students to walk to school and to participate in physical activities, including sports teams.
• Teaching youth about the benefits of eating healthy foods encourages them to develop and maintain healthy eating habits.
• Offering high-quality and nutritious foods in schools helps ensure student access to healthy food and beverage choices.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Obesity Association, American Heart Association, Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, 2001.

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