This indicator shows the percentage of high school students who are obese (i.e., >= 95th percentile for body mass index, by age and sex, based on reference data). The BMI is calculated by taking a person's weight and dividing it by their height squared in metric units. (BMI = Weight (Kg)/[Height (cm) ^ 2] )

Obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents. Obese and overweight children and adolescents are at risk for multiple health problems during their youth and as adults. Obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults. In a recent study, it was found that nearly 80% of children who were overweight as teenagers were obese adults at age 25. Obese and overweight youth are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight helps to prevent and control multiple chronic diseases and improves quality of life.

This indicator shows the percentage of high school students who are obese (i.e., >= 95th percentile for body mass index, by age and sex, based on reference data). The BMI is calculated by taking a person's weight and dividing it by their height squared in metric units. (BMI = Weight (Kg)/[Height (cm) ^ 2] )

Obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents. Obese and overweight children and adolescents are at risk for multiple health problems during their youth and as adults. Obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults. In a recent study, it was found that nearly 80% of children who were overweight as teenagers were obese adults at age 25. Obese and overweight youth are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight helps to prevent and control multiple chronic diseases and improves quality of life.