Health Statistics

University of Michigan – Fitness for Youth Program Research

Nine out of ten parents think children are physically fit, when actually only one out of three are.

University of South Carolina/Michigan State University/East Carolina University (2009)

A new study finds that, contrary to conventional wisdom, preschoolers don't move around a lot, even when they're playing outside. Using information from the Children's Activity and Movement in Preschools Study (CHAMPS), a project funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), the researchers looked at 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds enrolled in 24 community-based preschool programs. They found that the preschoolers were inactive for much of their preschool day, with 89 percent of physical activity characterized as sedentary. Even when they played outside, a time when children are expected to move around, 56 percent of their activities were sedentary.

Ohio State University and Temple University (2009)

A striking new study says almost 1 in 5 American 4-year-olds is obese. Without interventions, the next generation "will be at very high risk" for heart disease, high blood pressure, cancers, joint diseases and other problems connected with obesity.

Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TN)

Physical inactivity and poor diet together account for at least 300,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
The incidence of obesity among young children has doubled in the last 10 years. Physical inactivity increases the risk of premature death and heart disease, and developing diabetes, colon cancer and high blood pressure. Quality physical education programs serve as the foundation for a healthy lifestyle.

American Journal of Medical Science

Children who perform better on standardized tests have more favorable body composition and lipid profiles (HDL or "bad" cholesterol.) Programs that increase regular activity in youth hold promise in reducing adult heart disease.

Journal of the American Medical Association

22% of black children aged 4 to 12, 22% of Hispanic 12% of white children were significantly overweight. Between 1991 and 2000, incidence of obesity increased 61% and incidence of type 2 diabetes increased 44%. These are called "twin epidemics." (2001)

American Heart Association

Parents who model healthy eating and exercise habits greatly influence their children's heath. Healthy lifestyle training should start in early childhood.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Each year, physical inactivity contributes to nearly 260,000 deaths in the United States. 5.3 million American children are overweight or obese. 71% of American adults are overweight; 30% are obese.

Baylor College of Medicine

Children today have a shorter life expectancy than their parents for the first time in 100 years because of the epidemic of obesity. 20 years ago, less than 1% of children were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes; today that number has risen to 27%, primarily due to obesity.