Health Topics

Obesity

Obesity rates are at an all-time high among all age groups in the United States, with 16% of children and 65% of adults being overweight or obese. Poor food choices and lack of physical activity not only appear to be a major cause of the obesity epidemic, but can increase the risk for a number of health conditions such as heart disease, cancers, and diabetes.

The number of children who are overweight has doubled in the last 20-30 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nationally, approximately 15% of children and teens ages 6-19 are overweight and another 15% are considered at risk of becoming overweight. In New Jersey, a 2004 report from the Department of Health and Senior Services indicated that 20% of New Jersey 6th graders are obese and another 18% were overweight; these rates exceed the national averages.

Overweight children often become overweight adults. Children at young ages now have illnesses once thought to occur only in adults, such as type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

The mental health consequences for overweight children are far reaching including issues of depression, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Overweight youth are often socially excluded by their peers and thus remain isolated. Additionally, young adults who are overweight as adolescents face more job discrimination, have less education, earn less money, and marry less frequently than their average weight peers.

Things You Can Do Now

Although being too thin also has many health risks, and it is possible to be overweight and healthy at the same time, the chances of getting various health problems mentioned above increase with obesity. To remain healthy at any weight, stay physically active and eat a healthful diet. Visit the physical activity and healthy eating pages to learn more about these topics.

For More Information

Overweight and Obesity - Center for Disease Control and Prevention