A Comparison of Childhood Obesity, Technology, Exercise and Academic Habits Among Urban and Suburban Students in Ohio

Abstract

Nearly 40% of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese and there has been a need to determine what factors contribute to these obesity rates among children. The authors examined over 600 children in Ohio, grades K- 8, in two urban and four suburban school districts regarding their behavioral patterns in relation to childhood obesity, exercise and academic habits. A questionnaire was administered to each student by a school counseling intern. The authors interviewed children and asked questions related to their eating habits, exercise, family dynamics, use of technology and study habits. From their results, the authors propose a number of interventions that they believe can be helpful for these children.