Fall 2007

      Record numbers of children and teens today are overweight. More than 15% of children ages six to 19 are overweight, and even more youth are at risk of becoming overweight (Ogden, Flegal et at, 2002). About 70 percent of overweight teens become obese adults (Dietz, 2002).

       Today's youth are eating fewer fruits and vegetables and more foods high in fat and calories--especially fast foods--and are consuming more sugar-sweetened drinks than ever before. At the same time, children and adolescents are increasingly sedentary as television, computer and computerized games replace outside activities (Roberts et al, 1999).

       Adolescence marks an important period in which girls adopt eating and exercise habits that can last a lifetime. Parents especially can play an important role in shaping these behaviors. The following examples illustrate these powerful influence:

• Kids who eat with their families tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and less friend foods; drink less soda; and consume more calcium, iron and vitamins (Gillman, 2000).

• Young people are more likely to be active if their parents or siblings are also active and if their parents support their participation in physical activities (DHHS, 2000).

       BodyWorks: A Toolkit for Health Girls and Strong Women is a program developed by the Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help parents and caregivers of adolescent girls improve family eating and exercise habits.  

       The toolkit provides information, tools and strategies on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle. It is meant to be disseminated to parents and caregivers at the community

 level.

Once disseminated, we encourage trainers from community organizations to hold monthly support meetings with parents and caregivers to reinforce BodyWorks information and strategies.

       BodyWorks is a 10-week, 90 minutes per session program that encourages parents and caregivers to make lifestyle changes, one step at a time.

       Community organizers can use the components of the BodyWorks Toolkit to support parents and caregivers of of adolescent girls in their efforts to lead a healthier lifestyle.

       One six-hour class equips you to be a trainer of the BodyWorks program. The toolkit and six hours of training is all you need to make a healthy difference in the lives of your community.

       Contact the Office on Women's Health for more information about BodyWorks or visit http://www.4women.gov/bodyworks/

For Train-the-Trainer dates click here.

The BodyWorks Program

www.womenshealth.gov/bodyworks

August Newsletter in PDF format