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Childhood Obesity in America: Biography of an Epidemic

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Childhood obesity is a serious problem in America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines childhood obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex.

According to the CDC, in 2016, 18.5% of children and adolescents in the United States were obese. This means that nearly 13.7 million children and adolescents in the United States are obese.

Childhood Obesity in America: Biography of an Epidemic

by Laura Dawes

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Childhood obesity is a major public health concern because it can lead to a number of health problems, including:

Heart disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Cancer
Sleep apnea
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Asthma
Depression

Childhood obesity can also lead to social and emotional problems, such as:

Low self-esteem
Bullying
Social isolation
Depression

The causes of childhood obesity are complex and include both genetic and environmental factors. Some of the most common causes of childhood obesity include:

Unhealthy diet
Lack of physical activity
Family history of obesity
Certain medical conditions
Certain medications

There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of childhood obesity. These include:

Promoting healthy eating habits
Encouraging physical activity
Providing support for families
Improving access to healthy food
Reducing exposure to unhealthy advertising

Childhood obesity is a serious problem, but it is one that can be solved. By working together, we can create a healthier future for our children.

Personal Stories of Childhood Obesity

The following are personal stories of childhood obesity from people who have experienced the problem firsthand:

Sarah's story:

I was overweight as a child and I was bullied a lot because of it. I was called names like "fatty" and "lard butt." I was also excluded from activities because I was too slow and clumsy. This made me feel very lonely and isolated.

As I got older, my weight problems continued. I developed type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. I also had trouble finding clothes that fit. I felt like I was a burden to my family and friends.

Finally, I decided to make a change. I started eating healthier and exercising more. It was hard at first, but I slowly started to lose weight. I also found a support group that helped me to stay motivated.

I am now a healthy weight and I am so glad that I made a change. I am no longer bullied or excluded. I am also much healthier and happier.

John's story:

I was a healthy weight as a child, but I started to gain weight in middle school. I was eating unhealthy foods and I was not getting enough exercise.

By the time I was in high school, I was obese. I was so embarrassed about my weight that I would avoid going out with my friends. I was also afraid of being made fun of.

My weight problems continued into adulthood. I developed sleep apnea and I had trouble finding a job. I also felt like I was a burden to my family and friends.

Finally, I decided to have weight loss surgery. It was a difficult decision, but it was the best decision I ever made. I lost over 100 pounds and I am now a healthy weight.

I am so grateful for the weight loss surgery. It gave me a second chance at life. I am now happier and healthier than I have ever been.

Childhood obesity is a serious problem, but it is one that can be solved. By working together, we can create a healthier future for our children.

Childhood Obesity in America: Biography of an Epidemic

by Laura Dawes

5 out of 5