Childhood Obesity Epidemic

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America is currently in the grip of an epidemic that threatens the health of future generations. The CDC reports that, as of 2008, nearly 20 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 11 and 18 percent of teenagers were obese.

Over the past three decades, the rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled. If this trend continues, experts predict 86 percent of the nation’s adults will be overweight or obese by the year 2030.

Obesity has both short-term and long-term effects on the health and well being of children, subjecting them to a wide range of psychological issues and health problems.
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Childhood Obesity: Overweight Children Weight Loss Plan for Kids and Teens

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Childhood Obesity Causes Childhood obesity in children and teens who are considered overweight or clinically obese is on the rise, according to research studies on the prevalence of overweight and obese children and adolescents in the U.S. Child obesity statistics speak for themselves, with the term “childhood obesity epidemic” creating concern for parents and health officials, as well as city and state government officials searching for ways to reduce and even prevent obesity in children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over nine million kids and teens between the ages of 6-19 years of age have been diagnosed as being overweight or morbidly obese, an alarming number that has tripled since 1980.

The CDC reports that over the past three decades child obesity rates have more than doubled for preschool children between the ages of 2-5 years and adolescents aged 12-19 years, and it has more than tripled for children aged 6-11 years.

Childhood Obesity Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Resources, overweight kids and teens have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults, which jumps to 80% if one or more parents is overweight or obese themselves.

In the U.K., parents of overweight school kids are to receive a letter from schools telling them their child is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight or very overweight. Included in the letter are tips and advice on getting kids to eat healthy, the risks of being overweight and physical activities their child can do to lower their weight and risk factors.
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