Study Finds Continued Progress in Fight against Obesity

Posted by City of Philadelphia on September 14, 2015

Study Finds Continued Progress in Fight against Obesity among City School Students

Rates of obesity and severe obesity among Philadelphia school children decreased by 6.3% and 13.9%, respectively, between 2006 and 2013, according to a study conducted by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and published in Preventing
Chronic Disease, a journal of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study, based on height and weight data collected by nurses in the School District of Philadelphia, showed that obesity declined from 21.7% to 20.3% over seven years. Reductions were greater among African American and Asian children (compared to whites and Hispanics) and among boys (compared to girls).

“Just a decade ago, childhood obesity seemed like an insurmountable challenge for Philadelphia. But, through Get Healthy Philly, the collaborative efforts of multiple City agencies and the leadership of the Department of Public Health, our great city is seeing real progress on this issue,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Our work to promote healthy eating and active living in schools, afterschool programs, recreation centers, parks and neighborhoods is having an impact on the overall health and wellness of young people. These decreases, while impressive, are just the beginning – we have more work to do.”

Read more: http://files.ctctcdn.com/40c03434101/4f0c45b3-95f7-4c41-b3b4-bf53a1af2863.pdf