Healthy Kids Project

University of Oklahoma: Prevention Research Center

Topics:
Obesity & Overweight | chool Health

In a project ongoing for several years, the center’s faculty, staff, and students have screened about 2,000 students in the Anadarko public schools (elementary grades through high school) for height and weight, and calculated their body mass index (BMI). Blood pressure measurements have also been done twice. The school population is more than 60% Native American and about 6% Hispanic. Close to 80% of the students are eligible for low or reduced price lunches. In 2002–2003, half the students were overweight or at risk for overweight. Screening is being repeated in 2005–2006, and researchers will track trends over time to determine if any changes have occurred and how many children and adolescents remain at risk for obesity-related diseases. This information is being shared with parents and school officials. The findings will serve as the basis for developing new physical activity interventions and promoting changes in nutrition.

 

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