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Childhood Obesity In Wyoming Continues To Grow

Courtesy of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

A new study shows that more Wyoming teens are overweight. The National Survey of Children’s Health says that Wyoming young people have the 14th lowest obesity rate in the nation, but the obesity rate is still higher than it was ten years ago. 

The report was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Trust for America’s Health. 

Report spokesman Albert Lang said Wyoming children between the ages of ten and 17 have an obesity rate at 27.1 percent, an increase from over a decade ago. Lang added that they see a similar trend with other Wyomingites.      

“Where 10 to 15 years ago we see an adult obesity rate for Wyoming at 16.6 percent whereas this year it was a lot more than that at 28 percent, and similar things like that have happened with children as well.”

Lang said solutions involve getting children active at a very young age.

“And make sure kids are out there getting exercise, that they’re actually using healthy foods and not processed foods, and making sure that when they’re at daycare, out of the home, or not under their parent's supervision, that they are doing healthy things. Limits on screen time in daycare settings is very important as well.”

Lang said funding schools to make sure they can offer nutritious breakfasts and lunches is particularly helpful for low-income children. 

Bob Beck retired from Wyoming Public Media after serving as News Director of Wyoming Public Radio for 34 years. During his time as News Director WPR has won over 100 national, regional and state news awards.
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