Submitted by The American Heart Association
Obesity has gone prime time as an American health issue. It’s everywhere — in every neighborhood, every mall, every school and every workplace. Today, about 12 million kids are overweight, and 12 million more are at risk of becoming overweight. The obesity epidemic is clearly taking its toll, as more and more kids are developing conditions and diseases typically associated with adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 individuals born in the year 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes. In vulnerable populations that number increases to 1 in 2 individuals. If obesity among kids continues to increase, many believe this current generation of young people will become the first in American history to live shorter lives than their parents.
Consider these key facts:
- 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 since forty years ago.
- Overweight Toddlers: More than 10 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 5 are overweight, up from 7 percent in 1994.
- Carrying Health Problems into Adulthood: Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
- Rising Number of Overweight Adults: Today, 65 percent of all American adults are overweight or obese. If current trends continue, that percentage will rise even higher as this generation of children reach adulthood.
So what can we do to help our nation’s youth?
Take action and fight back! Turning off the TV is a great way to limit the number of advertisements your family sees. Also, market healthy foods to your family. Companies spend almost no ad dollars on fruits and vegetables, so make a pitch for healthier foods yourself! If you feel your family may share some negative habits, talk to your healthcare provider about your weight (or your child’s weight) at your next visit. And finally, GET MOVING! Encourage activities the entire family can do together. If you’re currently not active at all, start slowly and build up.
Obesity is more than a cosmetic concern. It doesn’t just impact the way we look. It can change the course of our lives, and not for the better. The good news is, obesity can be stopped! And it doesn’t take high-tech treatments or cutting-edge medications. Really, the solution begins and ends with the daily decisions we make. Make it your priority to lead by example and make good ones!
For more information visit www.heart.org.
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