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# Childhood obesity screenings being missed
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/childhood_obesity_screenings_0718111140/
- Published: 2011-07-18T12:39:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:14:53.000Z
- Description: California survey data from 2003 to 2007 show pediatricians screened obese teens only slightly more often than normal-weight teens, 64% versus 59% for physical activity, and overweight but not obese teens no more often at all. Screening rates fell across all areas over the period.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Lifestyle, Health News, #vivvo-import

by Aimee Keenan-Greene

A new study by University of California, San Francisco researchers shows overweight teenagers are being missed by pediatricians despite guidelines that recommend primary screening for obesity.

“The Association of BMI Status with Adolescent Preventive Screening” study appears in the August 2011 issue of [Pediatrics](http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/july1811studies.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org#screening). It used data from a California population-based survey gathered from 2003-2007 to determine if kids 12 to 17 years old received preventive screenings for physical activity, nutrition and emotional distress. 

Researchers found obese teens were more likely to be screened than normal weight teens - 64 percent vs. 59 percent for physical activity; 63 percent vs. 58 percent for nutrition; and 23.6 percent vs. 23 percent for emotional distress. 

Scientists say screening rates for all areas – activity, nutrition, and emotional distress – declined between 2003 and 2007\. 

Overweight but not obese teens, the ones who may benefit the most from screening, did not have higher screening rates than normal weight teens. 

Childhood obesity affects more than 12 million US kids according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Parents can do to help combat childhood obesity:

Help kids eat smart and move more.

Look for child care facilities, restaurants, and schools to provide and promote healthy foods and nutritional information.

Encourage community planners and leaders should support access to fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets, promote land uses that encourage walking, bicycling and support municipal recreational programs.

Additional Resources:

[Guide to Healthy Eating](http://www.health.state.ri.us/healthyweight/about/healthyeating/?ref=foodconsumer.org)

[BMI Calculator](http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/index.html?ref=foodconsumer.org)