Childhood Obesity: Facts

 

• Obesity is determined by the Body Mass Index (BMI).   Children with a BMI over the 85th but less than the 95th percentile are considered overweight.  Children with a BMI greater than the 95th percentile are considered obese Learn More
  

 

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the obesity rate in children has doubled over the past 20 years.  The obesity rate in adolescents has tripled.

 

• A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found childhood obesity to be more prevalent among  low-income and children of color.

 

• The Centers for Disease Control reports that black and Hispanic children have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic white children.

 

• Experts believe that parents will outlive their children as a result of (childhood) obesity-related diseases and conditions.

 

• Obese children have a higher risk of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.

 

• Obese children have a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

 

• Obese children can develop gallstones and fatty liver disease.

 

• Sleep apnea, asthma and trouble breathing are common conditions in obese children.

 

• Obese children are more likely to experience low self-esteem, negative body image and depression.

 

• Obese children are teased or bullied more than non-obese children.

 

• According to The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity (2007), obese children perceive the most immediate consequence of being overweight as social discrimination.

 

Coming up in part 2 of Childhood Obesity: Causes