The results of the Gen M Obesity research include a wealth of knowledge gained on tween and teen eating and food-based behavior at school,
at home and in social situations and the effect those behaviors have on other aspects of their lives. Findings also contain suggestions made by overweight and obese tweens and teens on how to help them make healthier food choices.

Regarding Body Image
One quarter of overweight tweens (25%) said they were "somewhat unhappy" with their body, while 8% said they were "very unhappy." Of the overweight/obese teens, 34% said they were "somewhat unhappy" with their body, and 8% said they were "very unhappy."

Regarding Physical Activity
In the quantitative phase of the research, tweens and teens were asked how often they engage in various activities. Overweight and obese tweens participated in sedentary activities significantly more frequently than underweight and normal weight tweens. However, overweight and obese tweens claim to participate in physical activities with about the same frequency as under and normal weight tweens.

While researchers focused on understanding tween and teen obesity rates, factors
that may lead to their overweight status and how their weight affects their everyday lives, they also realized the importance of recording participants' perspectives on
some possible solutions to the problem. To that end, research participants were
asked to develop and evaluate concepts that food manufacturers, grocery stores, school cafeterias, restaurants, parents and others could implement to assist them
in eating healthier.

The findings in relation to school cafeterias are presented in the Executive Summary; the others are included in the Full Report.

Download the Executive Summary for more information including:

• The proportion of tweens and teens who are overweight
• The impact of body shape on self image on tweens and teens
• The frequency of physical activities by tweens and teens 
• The frequency of consumption of various foods and beverages
• How parents and schools can encourage overweight and obese tweens and teens to eat healthier and get more exercise

Or, purchase the Full Report for more detailed research results and implications drawn from those results, including information concerning:

• Comparison of actual weight category to perceived weight category
• Body image and self image data 
• More detailed information on food consumption
• Portion size information
• Data on frequency of "eating healthy"
• Attitudes about food and eating
• More detailed information on physical activity
• Ratings of possible healthier food products from manufacturers and ideas to promote healthier eating habits for restaurants, grocery stores, parents and advertisers

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