Statistics have shown that for kids between the years of 2 and 5 and adolescents between 12 and 19, the rate of obesity has doubled since the 1970s. For kids between the ages of 6 and 11, the rate has tripled. Practically 1 third of all youngsters nowadays are at risk for becoming overweight. Sixteen percent of them already are.
Are boys a lot more prone to rise in child obesity?
When it comes to boys and girls, the rates of child obesity are comparable. The rates have increased since the 1960s for both sexes. In the last years of the previous century, over 29% of all boys had been at risk for becoming overweight, although 27% of all girls struggled with the same problem.
Of course, some groups are much more affected by this phenomena than others. Among boys, those who are of Mexican American descent tend to have a higher difficulty with obesity, with over 42% of boys in this group being affected by the dilemma. Among girls, the issue is more serious for those of African descent.
Why childhood obesity ought to not be taken lightly
The problem of children being obese is a grave one, in that it can have lasting effects on one’s emotional and physical health. In the year 2000, it was estimated that about a third of all children born in the United States are at risk for developing kind 2 diabetes in their lifetimes. These youngsters are developing Type II Diabetes and high blood pressure at an early age. They are placing themselves at increased risk for heart illness and other obesity-related diseases. Their weight also makes them the target of bullies and kids who insult and taunt them about their weight. This can ruin their self-esteem and put them at risk for depression.

October 14th, 2011
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