Obesity and Children

17 Percent Of Children And Adolescents Are Obese

According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 17% (or 12.5 million) of kids and adolescents aged 2 - 19 years in the United States are now obese.

Obesity Rates Among Kids Ages 2-5 Have Doubled In 30 Years

The rate among this age group increased from 5% to 10.4% in 1976-1980 and 2007-2008.

One In Five Kids Is Overweight By Age 6

Obese kids are more likely to also be obese as adults, which puts them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and more adult health problems.

Over Half Of Obese Children First Become Overweight By Age 2

These kids are even more likely to become obese adults.

The Childhood Obesity Rate Has Almost Tripled Since 1980

CDC data shows that there was an increase in the pervasiveness of obesity in the American population between 1976-1980 and then again from 1999-2000, the prevalence of obesity increased.

One In Seven Low-Income Preschoolers Is Obese

Obesity in low-income 2- to 4-year-olds rose from 12.4% of the population in 1998 to 14.5% in 2003 but increased to 14.6% in 2008.

Less Than Half Of Preschoolers Consume Two Daily Servings Of Fruit

And only 25% of kids in this age group get the recommended three daily serving of vegetables. One way to make sure your child gets theamount of fruit and vegetables that they need is to serve them at every meal.

One-Third Of High School Students Get The Recommended Amount Of Exercise

In 2011, only 29% of high-schoolers in a survey participated in 60 minutes of physical activity each day, which is the amount recommended by the CDC. It’s best for kids to get three different types of exercise: aerobic activity, like walking or running, muscle strengthening activities like push-ups or pull-ups and bone strengthening activities like jumping rope.

Childhood Obesity Is Linked To A Wide Range Of Health Problems

High blood pressure, diabetes and other cardiovascular issues have been previously tied to obesity. But a 2013 study found that obesity also puts kids at risk for other health issues such as ADHD, allergies and ear infections.

The Food Industry Spends Over $1.6 Billion To Market To Kids Each Year

This number was documented by the FTC in 2008. According to the APA, there are strong associations between the increase in junk food advertising to kids and the climbing rate of childhood obesity.

Source:

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/27/obesity-research-genes-fat-willpower_n_6032266.html?utm_hp_ref=tw