The (Not So) Skinny on Summertime and Child Obesity
This presentation analyzes obesity and Body Mass Index (BMI) data from across the country to highlight the steady increase in obesity among adults and children.
The data shows accelerating growth in obesity at all age levels, and especially among minorities.
Dr. Mahoney points out the health risks of this trend and the economic risks. He then looks at how summer programs for children can help us course-correct by providing opportunities for exercise and more nutritious meals. One of his most interesting findings is that groups of children that participate in activities across multiple years have lower obesity percentages than more sedentary groups — and that these percentages continue decreasing over time.
Review the full presentation to see how obesity has grown in the US, where the risks are greatest, and how summer activities might influence the trend.
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