The Current Situation
Research shows that a child’s health can be a significant determinate of his or her adult health. Unfortunately, children across America are already unhealthy due to poor nutrition and infrequent and non-vigorous physical activity. These issues can be exacerbated in low-income areas where there is often a lack of healthy food options and few safe areas for physical activity and the lack of health care in these communities only worsens the problem. As with many other health conditions, there are great disparities between populations- disproportionately impacting the schools of greatest need.
Current Rates of Childhood Obesity
- More than one in four children in California is overweight.
- Nearly 40% of California Children are physically unfit.
- The obesity rate is higher for African-American, American Indian, and Latino youth than it is for other ethnic groups.
- There are twice as many overweight children and three times as many overweight teens than there were 20 years ago.
Childhood Obesity and General Health
- Children who are obese have a 70-80% chance of becoming obese adults.
- Children today may be the first generation to not outlive their parents due to diabetes and other risk factors of being overweight.
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60% of overweight 5-10 year olds have at least one risk factor for
- Heart disease or diabetes
- High levels of fats in their bloodstreams
- High blood pressure
- High insulin levels
- Overweight children are prone to bone and joint problems and sleep apnea.
Childhood Obesity and Mental Health
Overweigh children are prone to the following:
- Depression and isolation from peers
- Stigmatization and poor self-esteem