Obesity prevalence was 18.4% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 20.6% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations. 

 Through the collaboration between the Owsley County Board of Education, the Owsley County Extension Service and SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) assistant.  A series of nutrition and physical activity lessons were taught during the 2018-2019 school year, the Professor Popcorn curriculum was taught at Owsley County Elementary and Middle schools. These lessons include nutrition, physical activity as well as food safety.

  During the course of the lessons, participants we able to sample foods from each food group, learn about the proper amount of foods to eat in order to become a healthier person and also lessons on food safety and proper food handling practices as well.  Overall during the lessons ninety nine percent of the students were able to improve the abilities to choose healthier foods and also seventy five percent were able to improve their physical activity practices.  Along with gaining knowledge of diet and activity, participants improved their safe food handling practices by seventy three percent.  One student commented that they felt better now that they knew what foods to eat, not only improving their diet but also improving their quality of life.