RENO — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada sent a statement Friday citing a report by National Kids Count Program called “Obesity in America” reporting on children and teens that are overweight or obese in Nevada.

According to the report, 34 percent of children and teens were obese in 2007, an increase from from 27 percent in 2003. This is a change from 12th to 38th out of 50, according to the report, which is online at http://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/across-states/Rankings.

“We know that living in poverty is a contributor to higher rates of obesity,” said Pat Fling, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada. “Taking the time to plan a weekly healthy menu, shopping at more than one location to find the best deals and nutritive value, cooking from scratch, all take a certain degree of interest in health and the financial and time resources to make it happen. Families living in poverty are often stretched to the breaking point with both time and money, often working more than one job or split shifts or underemployed or searching for work. Many of the families we work with only have enough money for gas to get to and from work, so shopping for high-quality food isn’t possible.”

All of the children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada are living in poverty. The local agency estimates that the majority of the children served locally with a one-to-one mentoring experience are overweight or obese.

“Bigs and Littles are encouraged to be active together, to move around,” Fling said. “There are so many active type of activities to engage in locally and our staff help suggest ways to get out and explore our natural environment. This year at our annual picnic we incorporated even more physical activity to get people moving. This year our goal is to change the future of 1,200 local children.”

For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit www.bbbsnn.org.