The prevalence of childhood obesity in the United States continues to put our children at risk for poor health. An estimated 12.7 million children and adolescents are currently fighting obesity in our country.
Trends in obesity rates are declining among 2-to 5-year-olds, stable among 6-to 11-year-olds, and increasing among 12-to 19-year-olds.
Recent national data show that childhood obesity rates have stabilized at 17% over the past decade. Despite this fact, the rate is still too high.
Why? Because with obesity comes potential health risks at an earlier age:
- high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are risk factors for heart disease
- increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- breathing problems
- joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort
- anxiety and depression
- low self-esteem and social problems
Obesity in childhood also means future health risks. Children who have obesity are more likely to become adults with obesity.
Take a look at the trend in obesity in the adult population since 1990:
Throughout the rest of the September watch for postings on this important topic and learn how you can take steps to help stop this epidemic.
Sources: cdc.gov; stateofobesity.org