 |
|
 |
Currently such issues as overweight and obesity have taken a front seat in public discussions and media coverage. As a nation, we have been getting steadily heavier. The number of adults who are obese has increased dramatically.
An estimated 300,000 deaths each year in the United States are attributed to obesity. The economic cost of obesity in the United States was approximately $117 billion in year 2000. Overweight and obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, as well as worldwide.
According to national data analyzed in 2002, it is estimated that 65% of Americans are now overweight or obese, and more than 61 million adults are obese.
The growth in childhood obesity over the past three decades is staggering. Obese children stay obese, If a child is obese at age 6, there is a 50% chance of life-long obesity. If a child is obese at age 13, there is a 75% chance of life-long obesity.
• Physical activity (or lack thereof)
• Children are less active than ever with the widespread availability of TV, videos, computers & video games
• Physical activity levels are dwindling
• Nationwide 22.6% of children do not participate in any type of physical activity outside of school hours
• Only 2% of US children & youth (age 2-19) eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits & vegetables per day
• Yet, 30% consume fast foods daily, such foods are typically high in fat content and are oversized
|
 |
