1) Childhood obesity rates have quadrupled over the past 30 years, with 1 in 3 children overweight or obese as of 2012. Obesity in children can lead to health complications that were once considered adult problems only. 2) Some key factors that have contributed to rising obesity rates include increased access to unhealthy foods and sugary drinks for children, more time spent watching TV and less time doing physical activity, and neighborhoods that are not safe for outdoor play. 3) If current trends continue, experts predict that by 2030, 39 states could have overall obesity rates above 50%, with 13 states above 60%, which would result in increased cases of serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease over the coming decades.

1. Childhood
Obesity, and all its health complications, is more
common than ever in children. Here is what we know.
Obesity can lead to health complications that were once only common in adults
And How We Can Help
1/3 of all children and
adolescents were
overweight or obese
as of 2012
4xchildhood obesity
rates have quadrupled
in the past 30 years
Sources
o www.diffen.com/difference/Obesity_vs_Overweight
o www.nccor.org/downloads/ChildhoodObesity_020509.pdf
o www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/obesity/facts.htm
o healthyamericans.org/report/100/
o frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/obesity-in-the-us
o childhoodobesityfoundation.ca/what-is-childhood-obesity/complications-childhood-obesity/
o globalhealth.duke.edu/media/news/over-lifetime-childhood-obesity-costs-19000-child
o health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/04/10/young-americans-need-to-cut-
calorie-intake-study
Obesity
1 out of every 6
youths is obese
Preventing obesity means more than
just eating right
Make sure children
get at least 1 hour of
physical activity
each day
Reduce screen
time to less than
2 hours a day
Cook meals at home
instead of eating out
Make a plan to
exercise and eat
well as a family
22million
children under age
5 are overweightOverweight: having
a higher body
weight than is
considered normal
for your height or
build.
Obesity: a
condition of having
an excess amount
of body fat.
Overweight
vs
Obese
Low self esteem, depression and
social withdrawal
High blood pressure and high
cholesterol, which are risk factors
for heart disease
High blood sugar, high triglycerides
and insulin resistance, which can
lead to type 2 diabetes
Breathing problems such as sleep
apnea and asthma
Bone and joint problems that can
cause pain, discomfort and even
arthritis
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Limit or cut out
sugary drinks
Eat five or more
servings of fruits and
vegetables a day
What’s behind the
increase in obesity rates?
Ads for unhealthy
foods often target
children
Children have more access to
food and drinks high in fats,
sugars, and calories
Children ages 8-18 spend an
average of 6 hours
watching TV or playing
video games per day of U.S. children do
not get any physical
activity on a daily
basis
Violence in neighborhoods
and fear of safety keeps
many kids indoors
25%
of U.S. children eat a
healthy diet according
to the USDA
only
2%
$19K
Lifetime healthcare costs for children
who are obese are estimated to be
$19,000 higher than for children of
average weight
On average, obese children miss
2 more days of school per year
than children of healthy weight
Obese children are more likely to
be obese adults
Adult obesity is associated
with a greater risk for cancer,
diabetes, heart disease and
metabolic syndrome
Childhood obesity can have a
lifelong impact
If current childhood obesity trends continue, the effects will be seen for years to come
2020 2030
The average child will be 4
pounds heavier than a child of
the same age in 2007
states could have overall
obesity rates above 50%
New cases of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and arthritis could
increase 10 times by 2020. Rates could double again by 2030.
by by
39
states could have obesity
rates over 60%
states could have obesity
rates above 44%
13
50
all
4pounds
20%
of kids will be obese, up from
current rates of 16.9%
wheelsforwishes.org/childhood-obesity-awareness