Childhood Obesity

According the Surgeon General

* In 1999, 13% of children aged 6 to 11 years and 14% of adolescents
aged 12 to 19 years in the United States were overweight. This
prevalence has nearly tripled for adolescents in the past 2 decades.
* Risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and
high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency in overweight
children and adolescents compared to children with a healthy weight.
* Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has
increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Overweight and
obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes.
* Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight
or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one or more parent is
overweight or obese. Overweight or obese adults are at risk for a
number of health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes,
high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer.
* The most immediate consequence of overweight as perceived by the
children themselves is social discrimination. This is associated with
poor self-esteem and depression.

THE CAUSES OF OVERWEIGHT

* Overweight in children and adolescents is generally caused by
lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination
of the two, with genetics and lifestyle both playing important roles
in determining a child's weight.
* Our society has become very sedentary. Television, computer and
video games contribute to children's inactive lifestyles.
* 43% of adolescents watch more than 2 hours of television each
day.
* Children, especially girls, become less active as they move
through adolescence.

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