Youth 2024 EFNEP

This country’s obesity levels are producing staggering increases in health care costs. In the U.S, alone, the condition has resulted in costs of over $147 billion for a single year. The human suffering and health care costs linked to obesity continue to mount. Over the past 30 years, childhood obesity rates have tripled; today, nearly one in three children in America is overweight or obese. Estimates show that that by 2030, almost half of Americans will be obese. If trends are not reversed, more people will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Others will face other chronic obesity-related health problems.

Kentucky ranked 48 out of 50 with a 40.6% overweight or obese youth age 10-17 in 2023. This is an improvement from 2021 when Kentucky ranked 50 out of 50. Our efforts on the ground here in the counties we are working in are making a difference and we can not give up. I am very happy to say that with my EFNEP group of 83 kids ranging from kindergarten to seniors in high school made great improvements in 2024. 94% (78 of 83) of the children improved their ability to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Guidelines or gained knowledge. 75% (62 of 83) of the children improved their physical activity practices or gained knowledge and this is where it must start. Kids must learn young to know what they are putting in their mouth and they must learn to move and exercise their bodies.

The presence of a knowledgeable instructor teaching nutrition classes in the classroom significantly improves children's health outcomes. Through these classes, children gain a better understanding of healthy eating habits, which leads to improved dietary choices, better physical health, and an overall increase in well-being. The direct instruction on nutrition empowers children to make informed decisions about their diet, fostering long-term healthy behaviors.