Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition affecting children and adolescents.  According to 2022 data from the State Of Childhood Obesity website, 24% of youth in Kentucky have obesity, giving Kentucky a ranking of 50 among the 50 states.   Childhood obesity is particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start youth on a path to health problems that were once considered adult problems, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.  In addition, childhood obesity can lead to poor self-esteem and depression.  On of the best ways to reduce childhood obesity is to improve eating and exercise habits.

This Fayette County Nutrition Education Program assistant taught the Teen Cuisine curriculum to the Beaumont Middle School FRC After-school Program.  The students expressed a much interest in how they can improve the nutritional value of the foods they like to eat, such as adding vegetables to their macaroni and cheese.  After reviewing the Youth Questionnaire Summary Report data in WebNEERS, it appears that these students are quite committed to improving their physical health by eating healthier and increasing their physical activity.

The exit survey data shows that students increased the number of days they were physically active by 75% and their muscle-toning activities by 100%.   In addition, 100% of participants showed improvement in making healthier choices when eating out.  These students show that with a little information and encouragement, they can and will make healthier choices when it comes to their diet and physical activity level.