What Is The Issue?

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Childhood Obesity – A Serious Problem

Childhood obesity is one of our nation’s leading health threats. Today about 25 million kids (ages 2-19) in the United States are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. That’s nearly one of every three kids. Overweight kids are more likely to become overweight adults.

Some experts believe that if obesity among kids continues to increase at this rate, our current generation could become the FIRST in American history to live shorter lives than their parents.

General Facts

  • More children than ever are suffering from the effects of poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Without early intervention, these problems and habits are likely to continue into adulthood. 
  • Soaring rates: The number of overweight children and adolescents ages 6-19 has nearly tripled in the last forty years. [1]
  • Overweight toddlers: Nearly 14% of children between the ages of 2 and 5 are overweight, up from 7% in 1994. [2] 
  • Carrying health problems into adulthood: Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. [2]

Reasons for the Crisis

At many schools kids can have soda, candy and fast food for lunch. They also have fewer opportunities to exercise and play. At home, kids are spending more inactive time in front of a TV, play station or computer. When kids eat out they are surrounded by foods and drink that taste good, but are often unhealthy. Portion sizes are also continuing to increase. Fast food is no longer a treat but a regular meal for many kids. The result is an increase in serious health problems earlier in life. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes and depression are now a part of more and more kids’ lives. 

Resources for Change

There is no one solution to solving the obesity crisis. Changes need to be made  at home ,  at school ,  in the doctor’s office  and  in the community .

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides real tools, solutions, and guidance to help all American kids grow up healthier and happier.

Citations

1.       "Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among U.S. Children, Adolescents, and Adults, 1999- 2002." Journal of American Medical Association 291: 2847-2850.

2.       Obesity and Disability. Santa Monica, California: Rand Health; 2004.

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