All About Childhood Obesity
The Obesity Problem Facing Children in the United States
In 2000, more than 15 percent of children ages 6 to 19 were obese, a number that has nearly tripled since 1976.
Children who are overweight or obese are at greater risk for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Type 2 diabetes, previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically in children and adolescents. Children who are overweight and obesity are closely linked to type 2 diabetes.
Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults, or an 80 percent chance if one or more parent is overweight or obese. Overweight or obese adults are at risk for a number of health problems, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Most children believe the most immediate consequence of being overweight is social discrimination, thus fueling the numbers who deal with poor self-esteem and depression.
Obesity Rates in California
The prevalence of overweight children in California is higher than the national average.
Among California's 58 counties, Sacramento ranks third in the prevalence of overweight among children ages 6-11 (32.3%).
Researchers and health officials state that if trends associated with being overweight and obese continue, this generation of children will be the first to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.
The Causes of Obesity
Trends contributing to overweight children and adolescents are lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of the two. Genetics and lifestyle both play important roles in determining a child's weight.
Our society has become very sedentary. Television, computers and video games contribute to children's inactive lifestyles.
Children, especially girls, become less active as they move through adolescence.
Obesity Rates in California
The Causes of Obesity
