Programs

The obesity epidemic in the United States has been a paramount focus, especially regarding the younger generation. Regardless of numerous public health initiatives, obesity rates in youth continue to rise. Obesity is associated with negative health effects for children and adults but, to a child who is still physically and psychologically growing, the side effects of obesity can be more difficult to quantify. Childhood obesity consequences have been studied heavily and show long-term effects on children including clinical issues such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, sleep apnea, and self-esteem issues. Obese children are also more likely to become obese adults with higher morbidity and mortality rates. Consequently, without intervening, weight gain and obesity will likely continue to result in long-term negative health consequences.

Although childhood obesity is present nationally, researchers have reported that certain regions are more affected by the obesity epidemic than others. One such region is Appalachia, which includes thirteen states from New York to Georgia, with West Virginia being in the center and the only state completely engulfed by the Appalachian Mountains. Children of Appalachia show a higher prevalence of obesity and other chronic diseases than children from non-Appalachian regions. For example, girls in West Virginia have a twofold risk of obesity compared to children in Oregon, a non-Appalachian state. With the childhood obesity rates remaining elevated in underserved areas, such as the Appalachian region, the health of this region’s future generation, is of concern.

Many programs have been developed to address the childhood obesity crisis. These programs are usually developed as adult-led; however, peer-led interventions have also been found to be effective. Peer-led education programs are defined as young people educating other same-age people through sharing knowledge and experiences, whereas adult-led programs focus on experts educating younger individuals with adults being the decision-makers. Teen peer-led programs have gained stronger support in recent years with the development of programs such as the Youth Empowerment Strategies (YES) and the Teens Eating for Energy and Nutrition at School (TEENS) study, which showed success on a teen-teen peer basis. In West Virginia, the teen-led model has gained success through peer obesity programs such as KEYS 4 Healthy Kids (KEYS = Knowledge, Eating healthy, Youth being active, Safety and empowerment). At Score For Kids Foundation, our goal is to empower every child with the knowledge and confidence to establish a healthy lifestyle! Through our programs, there is more longevity possible as peer or cross-age education flourishes from young people learning and growing from one another as part of everyday life.