In response to the growing obesity epidemic, Georgia health care professionals and public health staff are encouraged to take action to prevent and manage pediatric overweight. To assist in this effort, two Georgia-specific fact sheets have been developed. These fact sheets were created by the ILSI Research Foundation/Center for Health Promotion (Web link: chp.ilsi.org) via a grant from Healthcare Georgia Foundation (Web link: www.healthcaregeorgia.org) with guidance from the Obesity Action Network, which includes representation from the Georgia Division of Public Health. The fact sheets may be printed, reproduced and distributed by interested organizations and can be accessed through Georgia’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative Website http://health.state.ga.us/nutandpa.

Fact Sheet 1 – Prevention: focuses on the prevention of pediatric overweight including assessment and medical management guidance.

Fact Sheet 2 – Clinical Action: provides specific tips for action in the clinical setting including information about reimbursement and behavior counseling.

Federal data indicates that in 2003-2004, 17.1% of US children and adolescents (2-19 years) were overweight. In Georgia, overweight is impacting 12% of children aged 2-4 in the WIC program; 14% middle school students; and 11% of high school students. (References: Ogden CL, Carroll MD, et. al. JAMA. 2006 Apr 5;295(13):1549-55. 2003 Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance System. 2003 Georgia Student Health Survey.)