Episode 5: Fighting Teen Obesity

Objectives

After listening to the podcast, students will:

• Describe the difference between being overweight and being obese
• Understand how a person's appropriate weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated
• List two factors that are associated with the rise in teen obesity
• Give examples of some simple lifestyle changes that can improve a teen's health

National Health Education Standards

Click the links below to find correlations for the NHES addressed in this activity.

• Grades 6-8                                                • Grades 9-12

Time/Materials Required

• One class period
• Computer with access to the Internet
• Student Activity Worksheet

Downloads

• Download or stream the audio podcast
• Download the podcast script

Facilitating Podcast Activities:

Activity A – Listening and Learning

• Write the word "Obesity" on the board and ask students what they think it means. Ask them what they think causes obesity.
• Arrange for students to hear the podcast in one of two ways: Listen to the Fighting Teen Obesity podcast on the class computer or listen using digital media players.
• After students have listened to the podcast, have them answer the questions on the Health Podcast Activity Worksheet. Download the podcast script and use the provided time signature to review key concepts.

Answers:

1. Any three of the following five: puts strain on the body, puts a person at risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and some cancers. [1:20-2:05]
2. An overweight person's weight is outside the standard weight range for his or her height. An obese person has an excessive amount of body fat. [2:15-3:20]
3. The two factors that have contributed to the rise in teen obesity are reduced physical activity and poor nutrition. [3:20-40]
4. The average teen drinks 58 gallons of soft drink a year. [5:30-6:10]
5. Teens should strive to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. [5:10-5:30]

Activity B – Beat Fat with Better Choices

• Direct students to Activity B. Explain that the goal is to create a digital slideshow that will educate other teens about the dangers of obesity and suggest ways to develop healthier lifestyles.
• Help students find photos and clipart.
• Help students write the text to accompany their slides. Encourage them to offer helpful solutions they know teens can use.
• You might also want to refer them to some sites on the Internet that talk about how to set fitness goals and improve nutrition. For example, have them refer to information and graphs used on MyPyramid.gov or at the President's Council on Physical Fitness at Fitness.gov to complete their presentation.
• Encourage students to email copies of their digital presentations to family and friends to critique, and to find other outlets where it can be shown. Have students submit a copy of the presentations directly to you so that you can comment and offer suggestions on their work.