Childhood Obesity In Alabama - Statistics And Issues

Childhood Obesity In Alabama - Possible Reasons

There are two very important issues in regards to the high level of childhood obesity in Alabama.

• Alabama has a high childhood poverty rate which contributes to the obesity rise
• Alabama has a high immigrant population

Childhood Obesity In Alabama - Other Relevant Statistics

General Statistics

• 15% are overweight with another 18% in range of being overweight
• 85% get less than five servings of fruits and vegetables in a 7 day period

Physical Activity

• just under 70% of children did not meet normal requirements for physical activity
• almost half do not participate in physical education classes and just over half don’t get PE on a daily basis

Health Education

• only 21% of schools that require health education require two or more courses
• just over 60% teach 12 critical physical activity topics in health education

School Environment

• only 21% have fruits and vegetables available for purchase
• above 70% have fruit juice and above 80% have bottled water available

Physical Education

• more than half of schools with PE classes require students to take the classes even though they are a part of sports or other courses
• just under half offer after school or intramural physical activities and clubs to students

Childhood Obesity In Alabama - Shared National Issues

There are three general reasons for the substantial rise in the childhood obesity rates, especially for Alabama, which have contributed to the problem over the last decade or more.

• The vast availability of fast food and prepackaged food
• The super-sizing of portions and inadequate portion control
• Schools allowing academics to push out and substitute physical education and physical activity

While Alabama is not alone in dealing with the issue, combating childhood obesity in Alabama is a difficult task. The numbers may show a lack of concern, but there are other factors involved which raise these numbers. This southern state has made efforts to slow the rate increase through health care initiatives and school program requirements over the past few years.

The problem of childhood obesity in Alabama will not go away soon, as this is a national issue; but the state has shown an interest in dealing with the problem.