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A A PRINT

BMI Project

 

 

75.8 %

 

Healthy

 

Children are bigger today than they were 50 years ago, but so are adults. Between 1980 and 2002, the percentage of overweight children in the U.S. tripled. Overweight children are more likely to have unhealthy blood pressure, cholesterol, lipid and insulin levels. They are likely to grow into obese adults. In Idaho, 62 percent of the adult population is overweight or obese. That's up from 51.6 percent in 1996.

In 2008, the Bureau of Community and Environmental Health contracted with Idaho's seven public health districts to assess the weight status of 3rd graders in the public school system. About 300 students in Idaho's five northern counties participated. Their heights and weights were measured by trained professionals.

In the seven schools that participated in the five northern counties, 281 third graders were weighed and measured. Statewide, 2,122 third graders participated in the project.

Results for the five northern counties:

  • 0.7% were underweight
  • 75.8% were a healthy weight
  • 10.7% percent were at risk of becoming overweight
  • 12.7% percent were overweight

Results for children statewide:

  • 1.6% were underweight
  • 70.3% were a healthy weight
  • 15.2% were at risk of becoming overweight
  • 12.8% were overweight

 

Steps parents can follow to help prevent childhood obesity and improve the health of their children include:

  • Making favorite dishes healthier. An example is using applesauce instead of oil in brownies or low-fat milk to make macaroni and cheese.
  • Using rewards other than food for good behavior. An example is allowing a child to choose an outdoor sport for the whole family to enjoy.
  • Promoting physically active family time, such as hikes, bike rides and playing outside.
  • Limiting screen time and not allowing television in children's bedrooms.
  • Turning off the TV at mealtimes.
  • Reducing consumption of soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks in schools and at home.

 

Here are links to helpful information:

PHD's BMI Program Coordinator: Whitney Fehringer, 415-5140; wfehringer@phd1.idaho.gov

 

 



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