WHY WELLNESS IN DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS?
In Colorado, the rate of overweight and obesity among youths signifies an alarming public health issue.
38% of children (ages 2-14) are overweight or obese.[i]
20% of adolescents (grades 9-12) are overweight or obese.[ii]
Certain populations are at greater risk for overweight or obesity. African Americans and Hispanics had rates of obesity at 51% and 21% higher than their Caucasian counterparts from 2006-2008.[iii] Colorado children living in poverty were more than three times as likely to be overweight than children in higher-income families.[iv]
Although there are many factors, overweight and obesity can be attributed to physical activity and nutrition.
46% of children do not meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.[v]
63% of adolescents do not meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.[vi]
76% of adolescents do not eat five or more fruits or vegetables a day.[vii]
Overweight and obesity in childhood can lead to adult diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer, costing Colorado an estimated $874 million in healthcare costs a year.[viii]
Besides physiological consequences, obese youth are more likely to experience teasing, stereotyping, and bullying. These experiences can have profound effects on body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, and ultimately can compromise overall psychosocial well-being and quality of life.[ix]
IMPORTANCE
Health has a DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH LEARNING. Research has found that increased physical activity has shown improvements in test scores, focus, classroom behavior, and attendance, something educators have known instinctually for years.[x] Meta-analyses of nutrition programs, such as school breakfast programs, have demonstrated a relationship between student nutrition and academic performance, attendance, and decreased tardy rates.[xi]
Healthy SchoolsPage 1
[i] The Weight of the State: 2009 Report on Overweight and Obesity in Colorado. CDPHE.
[ii] The Weight of the State: 2009 Report on Overweight and Obesity in Colorado. CDPHE
[iii] Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 58(27).
[iv] Childhood Obesity in Colorado: A Growing Problem, 2007. Colorado Children’s Campaign.
[v] The Weight of the State: 2009 Report on Overweight and Obesity in Colorado. CDPHE.
[vi] The Weight of the State: 2009 Report on Overweight and Obesity in Colorado. CDPHE.
[vii] Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results, 2009. Colorado Department of Health and Environment.
[viii]Accessed from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on August 15, 2010.
[ix] Psychological Impact of Obesity on School-Aged Children, 2004. Texas Department of Health
[x] Active Living Research, 2009. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
[xi] Healthy Kids Learn Better…And Perform Better, 2005. The RMC Health Educator. 6(1), 1-4.