Why we started this (and statistics):
•Childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years. From 1980 to 2008, children ages 6-11 with obesity increased from 7 to almost 20%.In older children ages 12-19, it increased from 5 to 18%.¹
•Children who are obese when they are younger are more likely to be obese when they become adults and are therefore at risk for many adult health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, and many more.¹
•In 2000, the total cost for obesity in the United States was approximately $117 billion.
•Obesity disproportionately affects certain minority youth populations. For example, African American and Mexican American children ages 12- 19 were more likely to be overweight than non-Hispanic White adolescents. ²
•Children who are obese when they are younger are more likely to be obese when they become adults and are therefore at risk for many adult health problems including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, and many more.¹
•In 2000, the total cost for obesity in the United States was approximately $117 billion.
•Obesity disproportionately affects certain minority youth populations. For example, African American and Mexican American children ages 12- 19 were more likely to be overweight than non-Hispanic White adolescents. ²
References:
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Childhood Obesity Facts." www.cdc.gov. usa.gov, 15 Sept. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2012 <http://www.cdc.gov/healthy youth/obesity/facts.htm>.
2 - - -. "Childhood Overweight and Obesity." www.cdc.gov. usa.gov, 12 Oct. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/>.