The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents is defined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents (overweight = one standard deviation above the normal body mass index for age and sex, and obese = two standard deviations above the normal body mass index for age and sex). (WHO)

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Data

According to a 2010 UCLA Center for Health Policy:

• Average rate of overweight/obese students in CA is 38%

• Average in Stanton is 51.8% (the highest percentage in Orange County)

• Average in Santa Ana is 46.5%

• Average in Anaheim is 43.5%

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An Ounce of Prevention and Early Intervention

In a study by Taveras et al. (2009), he found that a more rapid increase in weight for baby's length in the first six months of life was associated with a sharply increased risk for obesity at 3 years of age. Changes in weight status in infancy may influence the risk of later obesity more than weight status at birth.
More than two dozen studies have addressed the association between birth weight and later obesity and almost all found that higher birth weight was associated with higher attained BMI in childhood and adulthood.

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“Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.”- The WHO

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"Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Overweight and obesity, as well as their related diseases, are largely preventable. Prevention of childhood obesity therefore needs high priority.” According to the WHO.

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What is ACEs?

"Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). For example:

• experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect

• witnessing violence in the home or community

• having a family member attempt or die by suicide.

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Also included are aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding such as growing up in a household with:

• substance misuse

• mental health problems

• instability due to parental separation or household members being in jail or prison

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ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities. However, ACEs can be prevented." -CDC ACEs Kaiser Study