Childhood Obesity - A National Epidemic Affecting Delaware

NHPS is launching the Campaign to Make Delaware's Kids the Healthiest in the Nation to prevent the spread of childhood obesity, which is a national epidemic.

Consider these facts:

• The percentage of overweight children ages 6 to 11 has more than doubled over the past 20 years, from 7% in 1980 to 18.8% in 2004. Among teens, obesity has more than tripled over the past 20 years, from 5% to 17.1%.
• The health consequences of obesity are profound. Obesity can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, asthma, cancers, anxiety, depression, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea.
• Emerging evidence shows a profound link between a student's health--which is closely tied to nutrition and physical activity--and his or her ability to achieve academically.
• As a result of the health risks associated with childhood obesity, the CDC predicts that our current generation of children may be the first ever to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.

How Childhood Obesity Is Affecting Delaware

Childhood overweight affects every community in Delaware, with approximately 36% of our children and youth either overweight or at risk of being overweight. This epidemic has a significant impact on the state's economy as well, currently costing Delaware at least $207 million in medical expenditures every year.

According to a recent poll of more than 800 Delaware parents, most consider poor nutrition, a lack of exercise, and the number of overweight children to be serious problems, on a par with cigarette smoking, accidents, and drug and alcohol abuse.

For More Information

For more information, read these fact sheets:

• Childhood Overweight in Delaware: How We Can Help Delaware's Kids Grow Up Healthier
• The Link Between Children's Health, Academic Performance, and School District Economics

Learn More about the Campaign

• NHPS Launches Campaign to Make Delaware's Kids the Healthiest in the Nation
• How you can get started!