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Child and Adolescent Obesity

05/03/09

Child and Adolescent Obesity

Child and adolescent Obesity is an extremely serious health concern. Survey data from (1976–1980 and 2003–2006) show that the prevalence of obesity has steadily increased. For children 2–5 years of age the occurance of obesity increased from 5.0% to almost 12.5%. For those aged 6–11 the prevalence increased from 6.5% to 17.0%. Those aged 12–19 saw an increase from 5.0% to 17.6%.

Obese children and adolescents are at increased risk for health problems during their youth and adult years. Both groups are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Things such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes affect the obese more than are other children and adolescents.

Obese children and adolescents are also more likely to become obese as adults. One study found that approximately 80% of children who were overweight between the ages of 10–15 were obese adults at age 25. Another study found that the reverse was also true with 25% of obese adults being overweight as children. The latter study also found that if the overweight situation begins before 8 years of age obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention