Be a CHAMPION for VA’s Health Heidi L. Hertz, MS, RD Obesity Prevention Coordinator Virginia Department of Health
The Obesity Battle
Topics Describe U.S. obesity trends for children and adults Describe the current and future CHAMPION activities Highlight partnership opportunities at state and local level
Current National and State Obesity Trends
No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30% National Obesity Rates
Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2008 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30% Virginia: 35.8% overweight 25.7% obese
Adult Obesity in Virginia Obesity is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S. (second to tobacco use). 60.6%, or 3.45 million adults, are overweight or obese 25.5%, or 1.45 million adults, are obese.
Hot Off the Press! Virginia’s Rank 32 nd highest rate of adult obesity 35% Overweight 25.5% Obese 23 rd highest rate of youth obesity 15.7% Overweight 15.2% Obese
Youth Obesity in Virginia Obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents Obese children and adolescents are at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults and are more likely to become obese as adults.
U.S. Youth Obesity Trends
Childhood Obesity The consequences of childhood overweight may mean a generation of children living shorter life spans than their parents.
Current CHAMPION Activities and Opportunities for Partnership
VDH, Obesity Prevention Through CHAMPION, the VDH focuses on proven obesity prevention strategies, creating a healthy nutritional environment, and appropriately emphasizing physical activity to improve the health of all Virginians. Common themes: Nutrition Education and Physical Activity Promotion Community Involvement Media Interventions Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change
CHAMPION Strategies Increase intake of fruits and vegetables Increase breastfeeding rates Increase physical activity Decrease intake of energy dense foods Decrease intake of sugar sweetened beverages Decrease screen time
Healthy Community Action Teams Help to develop, improve, and sustain program initiatives at the local level. Accomplish a broad range of goals that reach beyond the capacity of any individual member organization. Create infrastructure for future funding, initiatives, and dissemination.
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