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Children and adolescents in the United States are increasingly overweight at younger ages. Many studies have investigated the issue from the perspective of professionals and other adults. This study assessed early adolescents' perceptions regarding the magnitude of, effects of, causes of, solutions for, and learning preferences related to overweight. Data were obtained from 1,168 students, grades four to eight, who visited nine health education centers. Data were collected anonymously via electronic keypads. Analyses were based on multivariate and nominal logistic regressions. The majority of students believed childhood overweight is a problem (52%), and thought overweight is primarily caused by (55%) and can be addressed through (68%) nutrition and exercise. Most preferred to learn through doing (joining an active group or cooking demos, 43%) instead of listening (school lessons, 8%). Further, most (60%) perceived that overweight children and adolescents have a more difficult time making friends. Girls were more likely to report that they were worried about their weight (AOR = 2.9, CI = 1.6-3.8; p = 0.00), have been spoken to about their weight (AOR = 2.0, CI = 1.6-2.7; p = 0.00), and have tried to lose weight (AOR = 1.8x, CI = 1.4-2.5; p less than 0.01). Students who perceived themselves to be about the right weight were more likely than those who described themselves as underweight to say they have tried to lose weight (AOR = 2.3, CI = 1.6-3.3; p = 0.00). Recommendations are given to assist health educators in developing programs that address overweight among early adolescents. (Contains 4 tables.)

Background: Physical inactivity is a primary contributor to decreasing functional physical fitness and increasing chronic disease in older adults. Purpose: This study assessed the health-related benefits of ExerStart for Lay Leaders, a 20-week, community based, peer-led, low-impact exercise program for older adults. ExerStart focuses on aerobic endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance. Methods: Using a pre/posttest evaluation design, researchers examined the effects of the program on 432 older adults in St. Louis, Missouri, and Houston, Texas. Participants completed self-report surveys as well as observed functional physical fitness assessments. Results: Participants in ExerStart for Lay Leaders significantly improved their perceived satisfaction with body function, functional physical fitness, perceived overall health, and body mass index. Discussion: This study adds to the evidence that older adults benefit from structured, peer-led exercise programs. The increased physical fitness, if maintained, may lead to a decrease in falls, adult obesity, and nursing home placements. Translation to Health Education Practice: The current research has important implications for implementing outcome-based and cost-effective health education programs for older adults, including using peer leaders as a cost reduction technique to implement and disseminate research informed programs into community settings.