Childhood obesity, in the past, has never been an overwhelmingly problematic issue in the United states, but that has started to change in the past few decades with an estimated one out of every three children being obese.1,2 With the change in children’s lifestyles, evolving technology, dietary options/choices of children, along with many other contributing factors, childhood obesity in the United States has become an issue warranting attention to parents and citizens alike.
Studies have found that:
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- 25% of kids do not participate in regular free time physical activity.1
- Obese children are 52% more likely to develop asthma.
- Obese children stand at a higher risk of developing heart disease.1
- Childhood obesity can cut the life expectancy of an individual by 5 or more years.1
- Almost 50% of diagnosed type 2 diabetes in children are related to obesity.1
- Childhood obesity related issues accrue $14 billion dollars a year in medical expenses.1
Being overweight or obese is defined as having excess body weight out of the norm for a particular height.2 The excess may be in the form or combination of fat, muscle, bone, or water.2 An overweight or obese child is nothing that warrants shame or embarrassment, but their physical health and lifestyle should be evaluated to see what changes can be made to promote their overall health and wellbeing for their present and future lives.
110 surprising facts about childhood obesity. (2014). Blank Children’s Hospital. Retrieved Nov 5, 2015, from https://www.unitypoint.org/blankchildrens/article.aspx?id=a08c96a2-c311-40d3-8eee-93d15f92b7ef
2Childhood obesity facts. (2015). Centers for disease control and prevention. Retrieved Nov 5, 2015, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
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