|  | Family Health | Teen Health

Obesity in Middle Schools

Obesity in the United States is a problem for all age groups. Young adolescents in middle school are no exception. Parents can help their young teenagers maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  1. Obesity Rates

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17 percent of children and adolescents were obese in 2008. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index above the 85th percentile.

    Dangers of Obesity

    • Obese adolescents tend to become obese adults. A CDC study found 80 percent of children who were overweight between the ages of 10 and 15 are overweight at 25.

    Poor Food Choices

    • Large portion sizes, frequent snacking and sugar-dense beverages all contribute to adolescent obesity. The Mighty Kids Meal from McDonald's (targeted towards the young adolescent crowd) contains up to 850 calories and 40 g of fat.

    Physical Education

    • One correlation to the high rate of obesity among middle school students is the decline in physical education. A 2005 study by Eaton and co-authors found that participation in physical education had declined 14 percent over the preceding 13 years.

    What Can Be Done

    • Proper diet and exercise are the keys to a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your middle school students are eating healthy, both at home and at school. Also, make sure they are getting adequate physical activity.

Teen Health - Related Articles