The Healthy Community Action Team’s (HCAT) mission is to reduce childhood obesity in Waynesboro. According to the 2022 Augusta Health Community Health Needs Assessment, 22 percent of Waynesboro’s youth ages 5-17 have obesity as defined by a body-mass index (BMI) greater than the 95th percentile, and 12 percent are overweight as defined by a BMI greater than the 85th percentile. Stated differently, one in three Waynesboro youth ages 5 – 17 is living at an unhealthy weight. 35.5 percent of Waynesboro’s adult population have obesity and 23.6 percent are overweight.

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The US is in the midst of an obesity public health crisis. Here are some key obesity statistics:

• 41.9 percent of adults in the US have obesity, according to the Trust for America’s Health.

• In 2022, 22 states had an adult obesity rate at or above 35 percent, up from 19 states the prior year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. A decade ago, no state had an adult obesity rate at or above the 35 percent level. Virginia’s adult obesity rate is 35.2 percent (24th highest rate in the country).

• Obesity rates also have increased dramatically among children and adolescents with nearly 20 percent of U.S. children ages 2 to 19 having obesity according to the CDC’s 2017–2020 Nutrition Examination Survey data. These rates have more than tripled since the mid-1970s. According to 2020-21 data, 17.6 percent of Virginia youth ages 10-17 have obesity.

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Click the following link for more information about Child and Teen BMI and to find the BMI calculator: https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/faq/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html

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We can curb childhood obesity by making it easier for youth to get physical activity and make healthy food choices. Regular physical activity is necessary for a child’s development; it strengthens bones, decreases blood pressure, and reduces stress and anxiety. Children who are more physically active tend to have higher self-esteem and have better weight management. A healthy diet consists of foods that are rich in the nutrients our bodies need without added sugar and sodium or too much saturated fats. One of the easiest and best ways for adults to get children moving more and eating healthier foods is by modeling positive behavior. When children see their parents, teachers, or other caregivers being physically active and making healthy food choices, they are more likely to follow those practices into adulthood.

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This page includes information on the following topics. Click the links to learn more:

• Why Obesity Matters: discusses the physical and mental health consequences of obesity and contributing factors to obesity

• HCAT’s Strategies for Reducing Obesity: discusses the importance of regular activity and healthy eating habits and provides links to exercise and recreational resources, healthy nutrition resources, and healthy food availability resources in Waynesboro.