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From 1960-2000 the percentage of overweight children has increased from18% to 33% and the number of children who are obese has risen from 7% to 17%. Adolescents in Indiana are struggling with weight issues. Some students are struggling with being overweight or obese while other students are struggling with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Obesity is a problem that continues to worsen in the United States and around the world. Currently, overall obesity rates in Indiana are around 25% with childhood overweight in Indiana estimated to be around 20-40%. In both cases the numbers seem to be increasing. The medical problems associated with this overweight state are likewise increasing. These include diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Studies have shown high rates of body dissatisfaction and dieting among adolescent females. Body dissatisfaction encourages many females to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors, such as fasting and self-induced vomiting, which can lead to abnormal physical and psychological development.
Below is a graph showing Weight and Nutrition data for high school students in Indiana and the United States.
For more information on the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, click here.
Indiana State Department of Health
2 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Email: Public Affairs