Teen Obesity Reaching Epidemic Proportions!

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Obesity among teens has become a major epidemic. More teens are overweight now than at any time in history. A January 2000 report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the single most powerful change teens can make to bring their weight under control. "Of all the ways of tackling this problem, TV reduction appears to be the most effective measure in reducing weight gain in this population," Dr. William Dietz, Director of the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, told the CDC Advisory Board. Bike, dance, play ball - have fun being active!

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Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2011-03-20 19:07.

Childhood Obesity: It’s Not “Baby Fat"

All living U.S. Surgeon Generals and First Lady Michelle Obama have identified childhood [and teen] obesity as one of the nation’s leading health problems. In fact, the increase in overweight and obesity is epidemic in African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, with about 50% (or one-half) of all women in these populations being overweight or obese. In many communities, overweight and obesity have been largely accepted as the norm. Also, for historical and cultural reasons, many individuals consider overweight and obesity more desirable than being normal in size (sometimes called skinny, or thin). Why Preventing Childhood [and Teen] Overweight and Obesity Matters: (a) Childhood obesity represents the beginning of a pathway that often leads to adult obesity; (b) Overweight children in the U.S. are starting to develop Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol levels, putting them at risk for heart disease, and stroke. These chronic diseases are costly financially and socially. (c) Some overweight and obese children also develop asthma and sleep apnea, and there are often self-esteem related issues as a result of teasing and stigma. (d) When one parent of a teen is overweight or obese, the teen has a 70 % chance of becoming overweight or obese, and the risk increases to 80% when both parents are overweight or obese. By Norma J. Goodwin, M.D. Founder, President & CEO Health Power for Minorities www.healthpowerforminorities.com http://twitter.com/Health__Power# http://www.youtube.com/user/MinorityHealthInfo