What is causing the obesity epidemic in children?

Lifestyle issues — too little activity and too many calories from food and drinks — are the main contributors to childhood obesity. But genetic and hormonal factors might play a role as well.

Is there an epidemic of children who are overweight?

Pediatric obesity is now of epidemic proportions in the United States. Pediatric overweight and obesity now affects more than 30 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood.

What happened to the obesity rate in children from 1980?

Between 1976-1980 and 1999-2000, the prevalence of obesity increased. Among preschool children aged 2-5, obesity increased from 5.0% to 10.4% between 1976-1980 and 2007-2008 and from 6.5% to 19.6% among those aged 6-11. Among adolescents aged 12-19, obesity increased from 5.0% to 18.1% during the same period.

Who is responsible for the obesity pandemic?

Results of the study showed that 94 percent of people believed individuals are primarily or somewhat to blame for the rise in obesity, with parents coming in second at 91 percent primarily or somewhat to blame. Survey respondents felt farmers and grocery stores were relatively blameless for the rise in obesity.

Is it the parents fault for child obesity?

Pointing the finger of blame at parents for children’s weight gain may be unfair, research suggests. It has been thought that parents’ feeding patterns are a major factor in whether a child is under or overweight.

Where is child obesity most common?

A WHO report last year showed that of 34 countries in the European region, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, San Marino and Spain had the highest rates of childhood obesity. In these countries, about 1 in 5 boys was obese, and rates of obesity among girls were only slightly lower.

Can you reverse effects of obesity?

Barouch says it’s well-known that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in people, and some studies have shown that by cutting calories and losing weight, some of the detrimental effects of obesity on the heart can be reversed.

How do you prevent obesity in children?

Some ways to prevent obesity in children may include: Limit your child’s sugar consumption. Try to serve them more fruits and vegetable. Limit going out for lunch or dinner. Try to limit their TV time. Make sure that your child drinks plenty of water.

What are facts about childhood obesity?

Childhood obesity facts. Adult and childhood obesity have increased substantially in the last 30 years. Currently, 35% of adults (78.6 million) and 18% of children 2 to 19 years old (12.7 million) are obese, as defined by their body mass index ( BMI ). The vast majority of obesity represents an imbalance in calories ingested versus calories expended.

What are the consequences of childhood obesity?

Obese children and teens suffer from both long- and short-term medical consequences. Nevertheless, the most significant health risks of childhood obesity include heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease.

What is the history of childhood obesity?

The obesity trend in the United States may actually have originated in the early 20th century, during which it was discovered that poor children’s health improved tremendously when their malnutrition was corrected by providing them access to more calories, namely from inexpensive sugars and fats.