Get the Facts on Childhood Obesity in America
Obesity rates have tripled in the past 30 years and childhood obesity has become an American epidemic. It’s a shocking wake-up call to realize that we’re in danger of raising the first generation of American children in history who will experience shorter life expectancies than their parents.
Healthy habits and regular physical activity can help lower the risks for obesity. Schools can help play a role in educating children about physical activity and healthy lifestyles. When children participate in the recommended level of physical activity, at least 60 minutes daily, multiple health benefits accrue. However most youth are not engaging in recommended levels of physical activity. Schools provide a unique venue for youth to meet the activity recommendations, as they serve nearly 56 million youth. At the same time, schools face increasing challenges in allocating time for physical education and physical activity during the school day. Source: NASPE’s Active Kids and Academic Performance Brochure
Some other related studies on childhood obesity and physical activity in schools:
Obesity Facts
- The prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008.
- The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%.
Source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health
What Is The Solution?
With the help individual donors and fundraisers like you, ING Run For Something Better is part of the solution, helping kids become fit through free, school-based running fitness programs. The nonprofit program introduces kids to the benefits of running and physical fitness.
We put your donations toward grants that ING Run For Something Better awards to schools so that they can establish these important and free running fitness programs. We want to help prevent obesity in children by making fitness opportunities available in schools and empowering kids to achieve a healthy lifestyle they can maintain. And we’re making it fun for kids, too!
To learn more, go to What We Do.
Along with school districts and our community partners, we’re creating free, school-based running programs across the nation. For more information, go to Get Your School Involved.
This major initiative to change children’s lives wouldn’t be possible without our generous donors. Your contribution helps make a difference in the lives of kids!
Donate today to help fight childhood obesity!