Childhood Obesity
EC 315
Shane Martin
Spring II 2012

Purpose Statement Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide. Experts estimate that 1 in 5 kids between the ages of 6 and 17 are overweight. That means that as they get older they will be more at risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart related diseases. Things that we used to associate with older people are now affecting younger and younger children. There are many reasons for this rise in obesity and this paper will look at a few of them. My goal is to show a correlation between what children are doing and how it affects their chances of being obese. My data comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. They sent a survey to schools in all 50 states and American territories. Once completed the survey was sent back to the CDC and then the results were tabulated. The data I am looking at represents middle and high school students. The dependent variable, childhood obesity, is determined by independent variables, physical activity, nutrition, meals with the family, and schools offering sugary drinks The model (less constants and coefficients is): OBESITY = %FRUITVEG + %PHYSICAL + %FAMILY + %SUGAR Definition of Variables I believe the most important independent variable in this relationship is nutrition (%FRUITVEG), because nutrition is the most important component for staying healthy. The data that I am using for my calculations is from a CDC survey question that asked if children had consumed fruits and vegetables five days out of the last seven. The data point consists of the percentage of children who did not eat fruits and vegetables at least five out of seven days. Children are not getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diets. The amount recommended per person varies, but everyone should be