Physical Activity

• Twenty-nine percent of young people face an increased risk of chronic disease due to obesity. Source
• More than 1,600 students in Colorado have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Source
• According to the National Diabetes Education Program, kids with diabetes are often overweight; are typically not physically active enough; and have a mom, dad or other close relative who has diabetes.
• Colorado is one of only two states that do not require schools to teach physical education. Source
• Of Colorado’s 23 large school districts surveyed by the Colorado Children’s Campaign, only one requires — and four encourage — a specific number of minutes of physical activity per week. Source
• Twenty-two require at least one semester of physical education for high school graduation.
• Six require at least two semesters of physical education for high school graduation.
• Four require physical education courses for elementary and middle school students.
• Approximately 1.5 out of 10 Colorado high school students had not participated in any vigorous or moderate physical activity during the past seven days. Source
• Approximately two out of 10 Colorado high school students attended physical education classes daily in an average week when they were in school. Source
• Colorado, like a majority of states, requires districts or schools to follow national or state physical education standards or guidelines. Source
• Colorado is one of only six states that do not require newly hired physical education teachers to have undergraduate or graduate training in physical education or a related field at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Source