Obesity Rates of KCS Students Decrease

KINGSPORT – Recent health screenings show that rates of overweight and obesity in Kingsport City School students have fallen in the previous two years. 

Since the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year, the rate of overweight/obesity among KCS students (students who measure into the 85^th percentile and above) has dropped by 4%.  In 2008-2009, the system average for overweight and obesity was 39.5% of students screened.  In 2010-2011, the system average has dropped to 35.5%. 

The rate of obesity alone (students measuring in the 95^th percentile and above) has dropped by 2.7%.  These statistics exceed the state reduction averages for both categories of overweight and obesity. 

The Department of Coordinated School Health  conducts  screenings each year that include height and weight measurements so that these percentages can be obtained. 

As we all know, these statistics are absolutely attributed to a number of factors including the hard work, support and dedication of students, parents, school nutrition services, school system administration, school level administration and staff, and the tremendous contributions of our many community partners, said Misty Keller, Coordinator of School Health for Kingsport City Schools. 

For more information, contact Misty Keller at (423) 378-2147.