National poll on children's health rates childhood obesity as number one concern

C.S. Mott Children's Hospital's National Poll on Children's Health, an annual nationwide survey of adults rating their top health concerns for children, was released yesterday. Childhood obesity ranks first as the biggest health problem for the second year in a row.  

In 2007, childhood obesity received 34 percent of adults votes, rating it third on the list of concerns while 2008 rated it first with 35 percent of the votes. This year 42 percent of adults rate childhood obesity as a problem, putting it at the top of the list again. About 2 out of every 5 adults rate childhood obesity as a big health problem. 

The biggest difference between this year,s poll and past polls is that Hispanic, white and black adults are in agreement. They all rated childhood obesity as their top concern. In 2008, Hispanics ranked childhood obesity in sixth place while blacks ranked it third.  

Other top health concerns included drug abuse (second place) and smoking and tobacco use (third place). See the top 10 list of health concerns below.

1. Childhood obesity, 42%
2. Drug abuse, 36%
3. Smoking and tobacco use, 32%
4. Bullying, 31%
5. Internet safety, 31%
6. Child abuse and neglect, 29%
7. Alcohol abuse, 26%
8. Stress, 26%
9. Not enough opportunities for physical activity, 25%
10. Teen pregnancy, 24%