Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity
Childhood Obesity

Introduction

Childhood obesity is a serious health problem in the United States. 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the US have obesity. Some groups of children are more affected than others. Many factors can contribute to excess weight gain including behavior, genetics and taking certain medications. But societal and community factors also matter including access to healthy affordable foods and beverages, safe and convenient places for physical activity, and a supportive school environment. School nurses can lead in the development of local school health policies and district/community policies that support wellness, healthy nutrition, increased physical activity, and healthy lifestyle behaviors for all students.

NASN Resources

Chronic Health Condition Management

School Wellness


The links below have been identified by NASN as Internet resources that might be of interest to you. NASN does not intend to make any representations about the content on the linked web sites, nor does NASN intend to endorse any products associated or featured on any of those web sites.

National Guidelines

Expert Committee Recommendations Regarding the Prevention, Assessment, and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity: Summary Report Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics

Assessment and treatment of children with elevated BMI, medical risks, and unhealthy eating and physical activity habits, and suggested weight control interventions for those with excess weight.

Additional Resources

Action for Healthy Kid
This organization addresses childhood obesity, undernourishment, and physical inactivity by helping schools become healthier places so kids can live healthier lives.

Active Schools
Previously Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative, this initiative empower you to amplify your impact among students and throughout your school by focusing on five key areas: physical education; physical activity during school; physical activity before and after school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement.

American Heart Association

Voices for Healthy Kids: making each day healthier for all children! 
This initiative works to ensure that the places where children live, learn, and play make it easy and enjoyable for them to eat healthy foods and be active.

High Blood Pressure in Children 
The American Heart Association recommends that all children have yearly blood pressure measurements.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Body Mass Index (BMI) | Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity  
This tool includes calculators and other information.

Healthy Schools 
This web page includes a variety of resources and tools focused on nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention, chronic conditions, the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child, model and more.

Kids In-School Health and Wellness Program | Fuel Up To Play 60 
This in-school nutrition and physical activity program founded by National Dairy Council® and the National Football League is based on a mutual commitment to the health of the next generation.

HBO Documentary Films: The Weight of the Nation Trailer (HBO Docs) - YouTube 
This multipronged project includes a series of four documentary films, a three-part HBO Family series, 14 bonus short films, a social media campaign, a companion book, and a nationwide community-based outreach campaign.

Home - Together Counts
This program was started by The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. The program has resources for your school in English and Spanish and tools for home school educators.

Welcome to We Can!, NHLBI, NIH
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & Nutrition) is a national movement designed to give parents, caregivers, and entire communities a way to help children 8 to 13 years old stay at a healthy weight.

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Page last updated May 2022.