Percent of adolescents in grades 9-12 who are obese
Current Value
9%
Definition
Comparison
Story Behind the Curve
This indicator measures the percentage of students in grades 9-12 who are obese (BMI >30). Obesity is a separate and more severe condition than overweight. However, it’s important to understand the broader context of unhealthy weight in Chittenden County.
Achieving and keeping a healthy weight requires a balanced, low-calorie diet and more physical activity. Less than half of youth in grades 9-12 (38%) ate the recommended number of servings of fruit and only one fifth ate the recommended number of vegetables. To see more complete trend data on fruit and vegetable consumption, please see the Vermont Department of Health Healthy Vermonter 2020 Maps & Trends page here: http://healthvermont.gov/hv2020/IA/NutritionWeight... (click Additional Objectives to view different indicators).
Click the Toggle Comparison button to view the obesity rate of adolescents by maternal level of education. 2015 is the last year that data is available by maternal education.
Why Is This Important?
Children and adolescents who are obese are more likely to obese as adults. Obesity increases an individual’s risk of developing serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and arthritis. Healthy community design can improve people’s health by increasing physical activity and access to healthy foods.
Partners
Citation
Vermont Department of Health, Burlington District Office, Physical Activity and Nutrition Program