Child Obesity Statistics

The obesity rates among children have risen dramatically over the past 30 years. According to the report of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 19 percent of young people aged 6 to11 years are obese, while more than 17 percent of 12 to 19 year olds are. These statistical selections are popular with the children, but can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle that has a lot to do with the rise in child obesity statistics. The best way to combat this statistical dilemma is through limiting the amount of time that the children spend in front of the television and computer screens, and in encouraging plenty of time outdoors to ride bikes and run.

The child obesity statistics clearly show that if parents, schools, government and health care professionals do not act quickly and effectively, the next generations may be even less healthy than current adults. So to make the children healthy and fit in the future, people should take preventive measures today. The Factors that actually lead to the High Statistics There are a number of reasons that can be attributed to the greater child obesity statistics. One is the unhealthy dietary choices that are common in modern society today. With the adult help, the children will grow to love healthy foods as people introduce a new one each week. People should get rid of the unhealthy food habits from their pantry and fridge. And also physical activity like sports, bike riding are very helpful for health by which the release of energy can be increased.

Nowadays most of the people are using cars instead of walking to the places even at very close distances. The most effective method of treating and preventing childhood obesity is for the entire family to adopt healthier food habits and making daily exercise a priority. Dealing with overweight or obese children, or preventing the obesity in them, is a family matter that helps protect the health of children now and into their future. Childhood obesity statistics are truly alarming. The fact is that, the number of children who are considered to be overweight has doubled in just the past several years, while the number of obese adolescents as tripled in that same timeframe!

When it comes to either genders, the boys and girls, the statistical rates are similar. The obesity rates have greatly increased since the 1960s for both sexes. In the last few years of the previous century, over 29% of all boys were at risk for becoming much overweight, while 27% of all girls struggled with the same weight problem. Some groups of people are certainly more affected by this problem than others. Among teenage boys, those who are of Mexican American descent tend to have a greater problem with obesity, with over 42% of boys in this group being affected by the problem. Among teenage or young girls, the problem is more serious for those of African descent.

People must know the fact that, who are overweight and/or obese are at major risk for contacting severe chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and hypertension. For children afflicted with severe over weight problems, they can contact gall bladder disease, liver disease, sleep apnea, and may run the risk of high cholesterol.

• Juliana Breckinridge
• 12/02/2009, 10:59 PM
• 0 Comments