New facts about obesity in Missouri

Here are some new facts about the obesity epidemic in Missouri.  These statistics are taken from an analysis of the 2003 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH).  More statistics are available from the NSCH site, where you can find information from other states as well.

Some Key Points:

Approximately 198,000 of  639,000 Missouri children ages 10-17 years (31%) are considered overweight or obese according to BMI-for-age standards.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Missouri among children in poor families is more than double the rate for higher-income families (48.8% to 21.6%)

The prevalence of overweight and obesity is almost one in two (48.8%) for black children in Missouri, ranking the state 21st of 23 states with reliable estimates for this sub-group.

Missouri children are slightly more likely than their counterparts nationwide to be physically active for at least 4 days per week, but also more likely to spend 2 hours or more in front of a television or computer screen.

According to the 2006 Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System (PedNSS), which assesses weight status of children from low-income families participating in WIC, 30.2% of low-income children ages 2 to 5 years in Missouri are overweight or obese.

State Rank for overweight or obese children (1 is best), Missouri ranks 34

Obesity-Related State Initiatives

Does Missouri have a snack and/or soda tax?  YES, along with 17 other states and Washington D.C.
Does Missouri have a CDC state-based nutrition and physical activity program? YES, along with 28 other states.

Is Missouri a federal STEPS (Steps to a Healthier US) recipient? NO, although 7 other states are.

Obesity-Related School Standards in Missouri

Does Missouri have a physical education requirement in schools?  YES, along with the 49 states and Washington D.C.

Does Missouri have a health education requirement in schools? YES, along with 48 other states and Washington D.C.

Does Missouri have nutritional standards for school meals and snacks that go beyond existing USDA requirements?  NO, although 17 other states do.

Does Missouri have nutritional standards for competititve food products sold a la carte, in vending machines, school stores or bake sales?  NO, although 22 other states do.

Does Missouri have a limitation (beyond federal requirements) on when and where competitive food products may be sold?  NO, although 26 other states do.

Does Kansas collect BMI or other health information? YES, as well as 16 other states.