Combating the Epidemic of Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: Perspectives from School-aged Children

Clifton C. Addison, Monique S. White, Brenda W. Jenkins and Lavon Young
Additional contact information
Clifton C. Addison: Project Health/Jackson Heart Study, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
Monique S. White: Project Health/Jackson Heart Study, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
Brenda W. Jenkins: Project Health/Jackson Heart Study, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
Lavon Young: Project Health/Jackson Heart Study, Jackson State University, 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, Mississippi, USA

IJERPH, 2006, vol. 3, issue 3, 1-6

Abstract: This study was designed to assess students’ perceptions of the obstacles to positive dietary practices and increased physical activity and to solicit the students’ recommendations for addressing and possibly reducing the negative practices that are associated with the rise in obesity and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Data for the study were obtained from the administration of the 2005 Project Health High School Survey (PHHSS) which measured the students’ perceptions regarding obstacles to eating more nutritious, healthier foods and obstacles to participating in daily physical activity. The reasons for students’ lack of interest in practicing more life-healthy behaviors are ranked and recorded. Some of the students indicated that they usually ate what they liked to eat, and the decision about what to eat was made because of the taste of the food without regard for any health consequence or negative health outcomes. Finding ways to reach these students at their young ages is the key to successfully combating the high prevalence of obesity and the development of other chronic diseases in childhood, as well as in adulthood.

Keywords: Students; obesity; cardiovascular disease; risk factors; dietary practices; physical activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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