Childhood Obesity

Overview

Obesity has emerged as a public health crisis, nationally and in Connecticut. Over the past quarter century (from 1976-1980 to 2003-2004), the percentage of American children who fit the definition of "obese" has shot up dramatically, tripling for those aged 12 to 19 (from 5 percent to 17.4 percent) and nearly tripling for those aged 6 to 11 (from 6.5 percent to 18.8 percent.) In 2005, one in four (26 percent) Connecticut high school students were obese (11 percent) or overweight (15 percent).

Weight problems in childhood often continue into adulthood. Nationally, more than 50 percent of all obese 6-year-olds are projected to become obese adults. The adult obesity rate in Connecticut nearly doubled over the past 15 years, rising from 12 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2005.

The potential consequences of obesity are significant. Obese children face increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, stroke, asthma, and heart disease. Diabetes among U.S. adults jumped by 41 percent between 1997 and 2003, with obesity playing a major role. In Connecticut, more than 3,000 people die each year from obesity and its complications. In just one year, obesity-related health problems added $665 million in Medicaid and Medicare costs in Connecticut.

Below are some resources, compiled by the Connecticut Commission on Children and its partners, for fighting this epidemic.

SustiNet panel learns what's been done about childhood obesity—and what needs to be done

Thomas R. Brooks, director of policy and research analysis for the Commission on Children, gave an overview of the state's efforts to combat childhood obesity at the December 11, 2009 meeting of the SustiNet Health Partnership Childhood and Adult Obesity Task Force.
His remarks (PDF) | His PowerPoint slides (PDF) | SustiNet website

More than 300 turn out for 'Preventing Childhood Obesity' forum

On November 7, 2008 the Commission on Children co-led a forum to help municipal officials, community leaders, health-care professionals, educators, business people, and families respond effectively to the epidemic of childhood obesity.
Read about the forum here

Just the facts

This January 2009 factsheet from the Commission outlines the scope of childhood obesity in Connecticut. Download the PDF

Connecticut Department of Public Health

DPH addresses childhood obesity through its Nutrition, Physical Activity & Obesity Prevention Program. Visit this page

Get Moving,Connecticut! ...to Prevent Childhood Obesity

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) and the Commission on Children have teamed up in the battle against obesity. Below are a host of resources for leading a more active, healthier life. There's also help for municipal and community leaders who want to support families in this effort. Visit this page

Food for Thought: Acting Locally to Address Childhood Obesity

A forum for municipal officials held by the Commission on Children and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Visit this page.

More Resources

Links to other helpful websites. Visit this page.

This page was last updated: Tuesday, May 24, 2011