Childhood Obesity in Schools

September Is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Childhood obesity is a serious health condition that affects nearly 1 in 5 school-age children in the United States. While genetics and other factors contribute to childhood obesity, changes in the environments where children live, learn, and play can help them achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Most U.S. children spend an average of 6 to 7 hours a day at school, which is a large part of their waking hours. Thus, schools are a priority setting for preventing childhood obesity. Learn more in this CDC feature on National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Find out what can be done at school to address childhood obesity. Check out CDC’s Youth Obesity Map for a closer look at adolescent obesity prevalence in your state. Get more information about body mass index (BMI) measurement in schools and what safeguards should be in place to implement these programs.