Adolescent Program

Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or well-being. A child is considered obese when their body mass index (BMI) is greater than the 95th percentile (meaning greater than 95% of children of the same age). Today, one out of every three adolescents is considered overweight or obese.

Obesity increases the risk for serious health problems. Kids who are unhappy with their weight also may be more likely to develop low self-esteem, depression, substance abuse, or unhealthy dieting habits and eating disorders. Health consequences of obesity include:

• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and/or high triglycerides that can lead to heart disease, heart failure, or stroke in adulthood
• Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance that can lead to kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease (decreased blood flow and sensation to fingers/toes) in adulthood
• Bone and joint problems
• Shortness of breath that makes any physical activity more difficult and may increase the chance of developing or aggravate the symptoms of asthma
• Early physical and sexual maturation
• Irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems in adulthood (girls)

• Youth are eating and drinking more calories than ever.
• Children eat about 187 extra calories on days that they eat fast food.
• Juices and soda are a source of calories without significant nutrition.
• Youth are playing outside, running, and exercising LESS and sitting in front of a TV, PC, or tablet MORE.