There’s a good chance you know someone who’s inactive and overweight. Why?

Philadelphia beats the national average of teens in grades 9-12 in rates of obesity and lack of exercise. Every one of those kids has a story to explain why. Tell us what keeps you active—or what prevents it.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that Philadelphia beats the national average of teens in grades 9-12 in rates of obesity and lack of exercise.

Every one of those kids has a story to explain why.

Tell us in the comments below whatkeeps you active—or what prevents it.

Some students may lose interest in sports and exercise as other school or peer activities take their place. Maybe they spend too much time in front of a computer screen or television, or playing video games.

Parents may not be able to afford team sports for their kids. Some kids don’t get the support or influence they need from adults to stay active and eat healthy.

Families in certain areas of the city may not have convenient access to healthy foods—or too much access to too much food.

Whatever the reason, to reverse the trend toward obesity, young people need help finding ways to fit better eating habits and more exercise into their lives. What has worked for your family? Or what has prevented you or a loved one from maintaining a healthy weight?