Table 2.

High school survey’s 19 questions (36 items), selected using test-retest reliability.

How serious a problem is each of these health issues for people in this country: not a problem, only a little serious, moderately serious, very serious, or extremely serious? 1) Cancer, 2) Overweight and obesity, 3) Diabetes, 4) Alcohol/drug abuse, 5) HIV/AIDS

More people are becoming obese these days. These might be causes. For each, please tell if you think it is a major reason, a minor reason, or not a reason for this problem. 1) People spend too much time in front of TV, video games, and computer screens, 2) People do not know how to control their weight, 3) Healthy foods are expensive, 4) People don’t have enough information about what’s in their food, 5) There are not enough safe places for people to be physically active outdoors

Do you think it’s possible for one to be a little overweight and still be healthy? Yes, No

Do you think it’s possible for one to be a lot overweight and still be healthy? Yes, No

How much discrimination do obese people face because of their weight? A lot, a little, some, not very much, or none at all

How many years does obesity shorten an individual’s life expectancy by? <5 years, 5–10 years, 11–15 years, 16–20 years, >21 years

Do you favor the following government policies: Strongly favor, Somewhat favor, Neither favor nor oppose, Somewhat oppose, Strongly oppose? 1) Requiring more physical activity in schools, 2) Requiring restaurants to post calorie information on menus, 3) Limiting the types or amounts of foods and drinks people can buy

How much responsibility does each of the following groups have for solving the country’s obesity problems? A very large amount of responsibility, a large amount, a moderate amount, a small amount of responsibility, or no responsibility at all? 1) Parents and other family members, 2) Food industry, 3) Schools, 4) Health insurance companies, 5) The government, 6) State and local governments,7) Employers

Morbid obesity increases the risk for illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart disease, and cancer. Which of the following is the most effective way to treat morbid obesity? 1) Exercise, 2) Diet control, 3) Medication, 4) Surgery, 5) Other

In general, how would you rate your overall health? Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair

Do you personally know anybody who you would consider to be obese? Yes, No

Which of the following best describes your current weight? Underweight, Normal/healthy weight, Overweight, Obese

How do you feel about your current weight? Very happy, Happy, Neither happy nor unhappy, Unhappy, Very unhappy

These questions are about where you live. Is it very easy, somewhat easy, neither easy nor hard, somewhat hard, very hard to… 1) Get to fast food restaurants, 2) Find safe places to be physically active outdoors?

When was your last visit with a doctor for check-up? <6 months ago, 6–12 months ago, 1–2 years ago, >2 years ago

Has your health care provider ever talked with you about the health risks of being or becoming overweight or obese? Yes, No

What is your age? 15–16, 17–18, 19–20

Which one of the following best describes where you live? Urban, Suburban, Rural

Are you male or female? Male, Female