Is Childhood Obesity a Problem in Rhode Island?

 

September was Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and, according to the annual report The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America, we still have some work to do in Rhode Island!   

How does the Ocean State rank in The State of Obesity report?

  • 13.2% of 10- to- 17-year-olds are obese in Rhode Island
  • 10.7% of high school students are obese in our state  

Rhode Island has lower childhood obesity rates than many other states, but 13.2% and 10.7% are still far too high!  We have to make sure that all kids have access to healthy foods and safe places to play and be active – we need to create a culture of health in our state where the default choice is the healthy one.  

Rhode Island's success can serve as an example to the rest of the country - but we can't put ourselves on a pedestal while leaving 10% of our kids behind.

The American Heart Association is starting a petition asking the Governor-Elect to prioritize childhood obesity prevention in our state – click the following link to sign today: http://www.yourethecure.org/composeletters_open.aspx?AlertID=35459

The petition will be delivered after the General Election in November.   
 
To view The State of Obesity report visit: http://stateofobesity.org/states/

enclosure_image_url===https://yourethecure.org/AHA/Community/cfs-file.ashx/__key/telligent-evolution-components-attachments/01-02-00-00-00-00-32-21/childhood-obesity.jpg
Share This Story

Be the first to comment


Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account.