STMADC

Childhood obesity
Obesity rates are highest in the San Joaquin Valley; they are lower than state average in both the Sacramento Region and the North Valley.

Definition:
Childhood obesity is measured using the body composition component of the California Physical Fitness Test administered to grades 5, 7, and 9 through the schools. Students whose test scores indicate that they are not in the Healthy Fitness Zone for body composition are considered to be obese. Body composition test results provide an estimate of the percent of a student’s weight that is fat.

Why is it important?
There is a strong association between obesity and poor eating habits associated with a lack of physical exercise or a sedentary lifestyle.

It is of extreme concern to pediatricians that nationwide, there is a frightening rise in childhood obesity which is being accompanied by a growing number of Type 2 diabetes cases in children.

Childhood obesity has many health and psychosocial consequences that often continue into adulthood. Children who are overweight are at risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, and diabetes. These children also have the potential of becoming overweight in adulthood as well as having a stroke, heart disease, or arthritis as adults. The psychosocial consequences of childhood obesity include decreased self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Thirty-five percent of California school-children in grades 5, 7, and 9 are obese, as are 34% in the Valley. There is more obesity in the San Joaquin Valley, with 37% of children obese, with relatively less in the North Valley and the Sacramento Region.

The highest rates of obesity are found in Fresno, Merced, and Kings counties. The lowest obesity rates are found in Placer, El Dorado, and Butte counties.