obesity action coalition. (2015). what is childhood obesity? retrieved on 10/28/2015 course hero

Is childhood obesity a health issue?

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. It affects more than 18 percent of children, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood. This number has more than tripled since 1980. Childhood obesity is a health issue.

How has childhood obesity changed since 1980?

This number has more than tripled since 1980. Childhood obesity is a health issue. Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and other serious obesity-related conditions. A child is defined as “affected by obesity” if their body mass index-for-age (or BMI-for-age) percentile is greater than 95 percent.

What is the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents?

Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high. For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in 2017-2018 1: The prevalence of obesity was 19.3% and affected about 14.4 million children and adolescents.

What factors contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic?

The growing use of computers, increased time watching television and decreased physical education in schools, all contribute to children and adolescents living a more sedentary lifestyle. Another major factor contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic is the increased sedentary lifestyle of children.

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high.

Obesity and Socioeconomic Status

In 2011-2014, among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, the prevalence of obesity decreased as the head of household’s level of education increased.

Medically-Supervised Pediatric Obesity Treatment Associated with Improved Psychosocial Health, But Access to Care is Limited

Medically-supervised pediatric obesity treatment is associated with improved psychosocial health and reduced symptoms of depression…

Obesity and Cancer: Studies Highlight Different Aspects of the Connection

Multi-factorial metabolic and inflammatory abnormalities in obesity, independently or in combination, seems to be the critical biological link of obesity…

Kids are sweet enough

We're advocating for government to set higher standards for the composition, labelling and promotion of infant and toddler foods to protect our youngest consumers.

Obesity Evidence Hub

An easy-to-use website that identifies key evidence and data. It’s valuable for anyone wanting to develop a deeper understanding of obesity issues.

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in The United States

• Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high. For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in 2017-20201: 1. The prevalence of obesity was 19.7% and affected about 14.7 million children and adolescents. 2. Ob...

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Obesity and Socioeconomic Status

Women, Infant, Children (WIC) Data