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Childhood Obesity - Adolescent Obesity
Statistics About Overweight Kids in America
Studies show that between 15 and 30 percent of children in America are now overweight. Since the 1960s, we have seen a 39% increase among teens (ages 12-17), and a shocking 98% increase in severe obesity among children ages 6 to 11. Obese children ages 10-13 are 10 times more likely to become obese adults than their non-obese peers.
What has caused these alarming increases in a condition that causes substantial health and social-emotional problems?
The traditional family dinner has now become a fast food meal. These meals often have about 45% of their calories coming from fat!
Physical fitness programs in our schools are almost extinct. Kids just aren't expected to exercise anymore!
Children not only watch television nowadays, they also play video games and surf the Internet on their computers. In fact, kids spend an average of 15-25 hours per week doing these “non active” activities. They walk and ride their bikes less now. They sit more.
Other Statistics
Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services.
The prevalence of obesity has steadily increased over the years among both genders, all ages, all racial/ethnic groups, all educational levels, and all smoking levels.
Less than half of U.S. adults have a healthy weight (BMI > 18.5 to < 25).
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight (BMI > 25, which includes those who are obese). [ |