171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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February 2009
The Obesity Problem
Obesity Trends
The NHANES data from 1976-80 until 2003-06 has shown obesity in America to be increasing at an alarming rate in every age category. Children 2-5 years old from 5.0 percent to 12.4 percent; children 6-11 years old from 6.5 percent to 17.0 percent; adolescents 12-19 years old from 5.0 percent to 17.6 percent; and finally, adults 15.0 percent to 34.0 percent. More than doubling our girth in just over two decades has had incredible consequences on our health and healthcare costs. In South Carolina alone, the medical costs of overweight and obesity were estimated to be $1,060,000,000 in 2000.
Each year since 1985, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has mapped our obesity rates for each state. During that time, South Carolina has gone from a rate of 15-19 percent
to 28.4 percent in 2007. South Carolina shares the highest rates along with Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Colorado is the only state with a
prevalence of less than 20 percent. Take a moment to study the maps from the CDC Web site.
The Consequences
A serious and startling prediction is that today's children will have a shorter lifespan than their parents. In addition, as the obesity related chronic diseases (high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and renal disease) take their toll; the quality of life is significantly compromised. Exercising more and making food decisions for health can markedly turn the tide. Therefore, the Lean Team was created to inspire, teach, and encourage students, teachers, and family members to embrace lifestyle change. Why? It is well known that fit kids do better in school. Success in school leads to further education, better jobs, better income and better health.
Student Health and Fitness Act of 2005
In response to these alarming statistics, the South Carolina legislature passed the Student Health and Fitness Act of 2005. The goal was to set transitional standards for improving the health of our children through physical education, school health services, and nutrition services. Objectives include increasing physical activity to 30 minutes per day for every elementary student, assigning a physical education activity director to plan and coordinate activities beyond the classroom, improving the student/teacher ratio, providing funds for school nurses, establishing a Coordinated School Health Advisory Council (CSHAC), and increasing the nutrition component of the health curriculum for elementary students.
To find out more about the Lean Team, visit our website at www.musc.edu/leanteam or give us a call at (843) 579-4316.
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Mary Joan
Lean Team |
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