Obesity Statistics in Children

"I couldn't open up a magazine, you couldn't read a newspaper, you couldn't turn on the TV without hearing about the obesity epidemic in America." ~ Morgan Spurlock

We all know about obesity, we all know how dangerous it can be for one's health, we all know that the diseases related to it like heart diseases, breast cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, etc., are all chronic! We also know that getting rid of obesity is a must for a longer and healthy living. Then why and how do we manage to see our kids walking that path and still be OK about it?! As we are advancing towards modernization, we are also advancing towards activities that lead to obesity! Especially, when it comes to childhood obesity, lesser physical activities and more indoor computer games, play a major part in children becoming obese! On top of that, more and more junk food and fast food which are extremely high in calories and fat, are leading to increase in the fat deposits in the body! I am sure you are well aware of all these facts! And you know, there is something that needs to be done about it! But when? Just go through the shocking statistics below, and see what happens when it's too late!

Statistics on Childhood Obesity

"This might be the first generation where kids are dying at a younger age than their parents and it's related primarily to the obesity problem." ~ Judy Davis

Mentioned below are some shocking child obesity statistics, including child obesity in America, that will give you a picture of what the scenario is until today! Have a look at these statistics and facts, and learn more about the situation...

• Statistics reveal that childhood obesity has increased three times more than what it was 30 years ago! As per childhood obesity statistics, obesity in children aged 6-11 years in the year 1980 was 6.5%, which has increased to 19.6% in 2008! Speaking of adolescents, obese kids aged between 12-19 years accounted for only 5% in 1980, which has now increased to 18.1% in 2008!
• Obesity is now the second highest reason when it comes to preventable death in America. Speaking of childhood obesity, 9 million children aged between 6-19 years of age are overweight, as per the American obesity statistics!
• As per the Get America Fit Foundation, 1 out of 4 children who are overweight, already show the early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes!!!
• 70% kids suffering from childhood obesity are already having at least 1 risk factor of having heart diseases!!!
• Did you know that the medical costs associated with obesity in children in America was $35 million in 1979, which after 20 years has increased to $127 million in the year 1999!!!
• Another shocking fact as per the obesity statistics in America is that 85% of all the children who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, were obese!
• Speaking of type 2 diabetes, did you know that in the year 1990, only 4% of childhood diabetes consisted of type 2 diabetes, which has now increased to approximately 20%!!! That is 5 times more in 20 years!
• As per studies, obese children as more likely to grow up as obese youth and therefore are more prone to cardiovascular diseases, joint problems, cancers, poor self-esteem, and many other social and psychological problems.
• Another among the American obesity facts as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that every 1 child out of 7 preschool kids which belong to a low income family, is obese. As per the statistics, 12.4% kids aged 2-4 years in the year 1998 were obese and came from low income backgrounds. This number rose to 14.5% in 2003, but surprisingly in 2008, there was only 0.1% increase in these figures, which was 14.6%.
• The obesity statistics in America also indicate that obesity is becoming out of control day by day, especially when it comes to childhood obesity! Did you know that only 4% of the kids in America were overweight in 1982, the number rose to 16% in 1994 and 25% in 2001!!!

Causes of Obesity in Children

"The number of kids affected by obesity has tripled since 1980, and this can be traced in large part to lack of exercise and a healthy diet." ~ Virginia Foxx

The above statistics gave you a picture of the American obesity rate in children and also how obesity is increasing all over the world! What could be the possible causes? Here they are.

• Eating too much of junk food and fast food which are high in calories and fats.
• Too little physical exertion to burn the excess fat accumulating in the body!
• Obesity can also be due to some genetic or hormonal causes, although, that is a rare scenario.
• Improper lifestyle that doesn't promote healthy diet and physical exercises.

After going through these obesity statistics and the possible causes for the same, you must have realized how important it is to fight against childhood obesity and save kids from the dangerous consequences associated with obesity. You can also go through the obesity statistics in America 2010 to know more. Obesity can be controlled and childhood obesity prevention is possible! In the words of Bob Filner, "Childhood obesity is best tackled at home through improved parental involvement, increased physical exercise, better diet and restraint from eating." So give time to your kids and just don't leave them with the latest gadgets and a refrigerator full of junk food. They need your support, and being parents, your time and efforts will help them fight obesity and live a healthier and a longer life. Take care.