ING Run for Something Better

Childhood obesity is an American epidemic. It’s a shocking wake-up call to realize that we’re in danger of raising the first generation of American children in history who will experience shorter life expectancies than their parents.

Here are some obesity statistics:

• America is home to 9 million obese children. The obesity prevalence rate has tripled in the last thirty years.
• From 1976 to 1980, just 6.5% of 6 to 11 year olds were obese kids. But that figure jumps to 17% from 2003 to 2006.
• And, from 1976 to 1980, just 5% of 12 to 19 year olds were obese, while adolescent obesity jumped to 17.6% from 2003 to 2006.

So What’s The Big Deal?

Obese kids are at risk for some serious health problems we used to associate only with adults – high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. These are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease, putting these overweight kids on the path toward even more serious health problems as adults.

Our obese children become our obese adults. Research has shown that, of a group of overweight 10 to 15 year olds, 80% went on to become obese 25 year olds.

Read more about this issue in Time Magazine’s special coverage.

What Is The Solution?

With the help of our supporters, ING Run For Something Better is part of the solution, helping kids become fit through free, school-based running fitness programs. The nonprofit program introduces kids to the benefits of running and physical fitness. We want to help prevent obesity in children by making fitness opportunities available in schools and empowering kids to achieve a healthy lifestyle they can maintain. And we’re making it fun for kids, too!

To learn more, go to What We Do.

Along with school districts across the nation and our community partners, we’re creating free, school-based running programs in all of the ING-sponsored race markets.  In 2009, ING will reach even more schools through an Award program available to school-based running programs nationwide. For more information, go to Get Your School Involved.

This major initiative to change children’s lives wouldn’t be possible without our generous donors. Your contribution helps make a difference in the lives of kids!

Donate today to help fight childhood obesity!