Physicians Health and Fitness

Childhood obesity is a serious public health epidemic. Nearly one-third of all U.S. children and adolescents, more than 23 million, are either overweight or obese. During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than four times among children ages 6 to 11.

Several factors contribute to the rapid increase in obesity rates—among them is the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages in ever-larger portions. During the past 20 years, the typical calorie content of menu items like French fries and sodas has increased approximately 50 percent.

American youth also have become less physically active. More than 90 percent of elementary schools do not provide daily physical education classes in school. At the same time, youth have adopted more sedentary lifestyles during their out-of-school hours. Instead of engaging in physical activity, American kids spend an average of four to five hours per day on “screen time”—watching television, playing video games or using a computer.

Overweight and obese children are at higher risk for a host of serious illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, asthma and certain types of cancer. And, these children already are being diagnosed with health problems that previously were considered to be “adult” illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

The evidence suggests that, if we don’t reverse these trends, we’re in danger of raising the first generation of American children who will live sicker and die younger than the generation before them.

JAMA 2002;288:1728-1732