Indicator Gauge Icon Legend
Legend Colors
Red is bad, green is good, blue is not statistically different/neutral.
Compared to Distribution
the value is in the best half of communities.
the value is in the 2nd worst quarter of communities.
the value is in the worst quarter of communities.
Compared to Target
meets target; 
does not meet target.
Compared to a Single Value
lower than the comparison value;
higher than the comparison value;
not statistically different from comparison value.
Trend
non-significant change over time; 
significant change over time; 
no change over time.
Compared to Prior Value
higher than the previous measurement period;
lower than the previous measurement period;
no statistically different change from previous measurement period.
Significantly better than the overall value
Significantly worse than the overall value
No significant difference with the overall value
No data on significance available
Teens who Use Diet Pills
Measurement Period: 2013
This indicator is archived and is no longer being updated. Click to learn more
This indicator shows the percentage of high school students who took diet pills, powder or liquids to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight (without a doctor's advice) during the 30 days preceding the survey.
Why is this important?
Many over-the-count diet pills are intended for adults and are not recommended for anyone under 18. They carry some unpleasant side effects such as gas (farting), oily discharge, and diarrhea. Herb and supplement diet-pills are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore not held to the same standard as prescription and OTC drugs. Some of these products may claim weight loss without diet or exercise, but in reality they are ineffective and have side effects that can be as serious as those seen with prescription and OTC drugs such as bloating, diarrhea, and serious heart problems. The most effective method for teens who want to losing weight is lifestyle changes that include eating healthy foods, smaller portions, and exercise.
5.4%
Source:
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Measurement period: 2013
Maintained by: DC Healthy Communities Collaborative
Last update: November 2014
Measurement period: 2013
Maintained by: DC Healthy Communities Collaborative
Last update: November 2014
Compared to
Graph Selections
Data Source
- CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
Maintained By: DC Healthy Communities Collaborative
Filed under: Health / Nutrition & Healthy Eating, Health / Adolescent Health, Teens