The Truth about Childhood Obesity and Activity Levels
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 17% of U.S. children are overweight, totaling more than 12 million nationwide.
The average American child spends four to five hours per day watching television, using the computer, or playing video games, and it is proven that children who engage the most heavily have a higher risk of becoming obese.
Since 1980, the number of overweight children (ages 6-11) in the U.S. has doubled, and the number of overweight adolescents (ages 12-19) has nearly tripled.
Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
Obesity-related annual hospital costs for children and adolescents more than tripled over two decades, rising from $35 million in 1979-1981 to $127 million in 1997-1999.
It is no longer a requirement for states to mandate daily physical education in schools even though physical activity is associated with increased academic performance, self-concept, mood, and mental health.
Since 1960, the number of children who walk or bike to schools has decreased from nearly 50% to 10%.
Fast food consumption has increased tremendously since 1970. Nearly one-third of U.S. children and youths ages 4 to 19 eat at least one fast food meal daily, resulting in an average six extra pounds per child, per year in comparison to those who do not eat fast food on a daily basis.
Obesity can lead to an array of health problems including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, and even various cancers—all of which could better be controlled by physical activity.
