There are about 12.5 million youth in the U.S who are obese and there are another 11 million who are overweight. It means that about one in three youth and adolescents in this country is obese or overweight. This is certainly a matter of crisis for our country. Obesity occurs when someone’s weight is way more disproportionate to his/her weight. Lack of sufficient physical activity and indifference to healthy diet are proven to be the root causes of childhood obesity. This problem is becoming alarming as it has started to emerge at a very early age. Statistics show that 21.2% children aged 2-5 years are gaining more weight than their height. More shocking news is that this percentage has increased more than double during the past 3 decades. Now let’s have a look at the numeric facts on obesity.
Obesity in America facts:
Age limit Previous rate Current rate
2 – 5 10.1% 21.2%
6 – 11 4.2% 19.6%
12 – 19 4.6% 18.1%
10 facts on obesity:
There are more to the problem than just the numbers.
a, Only 2% of U.S children are having a healthy and balanced diet.
b, 25% of children do not take part in any physical activity.
c, Obesity can reduce life expectancy by 5 or more years.
d, Eating too much snack in a day can lead to additional 200 calories.
e, The more the children watch TV, the more are the chances of being obese.
f, 70% of the obese kids have a risk factor of cardiovascular disease.
g, 52% obese children develop asthma.
h, Obese 6-8 year olds are 10 times more likely to become obese adults.
i, Obese children are more likely to miss out their school.
j, Every year $14 billion is spent for obesity related healthcare issues.
Childhood diabetes facts:
In a research it is clearly shown that 50% of all children’s Type 2 diabetes are due to obesity.
The problem of overweight also tripled in the last 3 decades. And children who are overweight are most likely to become obese in a jiffy, if not taken care of on time.
Obesity and overweight have become the silent killer for the American kids these days. The problem will grow more serious if it’s not taken care of immediately.