Obesity

Adult Obesity Rates and Statistics

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) (2009-2010), approximately 69% of adults are overweight or obese, with more than 78 million adult Americans considered obese.

Childhood Obesity Rates and Statistics

Children have become heavier as well. In the past 30 years, the prevalence of childhood obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2 to 5, has nearly tripled among youth ages 6 to 11, and has more than tripled among adolescents ages 12 to 19. However, recent data suggest that the rate of overweight in children did not increase significantly between 1999 and 2008, except in the heaviest boys (BMI for age greater than or equal to the 97th percentile).

This rate, though, remains alarmingly high. About 17% of American children ages 2 to 19, or 1 in 6, are obese. Further, the latest data continue to suggest that overweight and obesity are having a greater effect on minorities, including blacks and Hispanics.

What we will need to bare in mind.

·       Make a commitment. You need to make a commitment to yourself and your family to eat healthy, move more, and reduce screen time. All of these actions will help keep your family in energy balance.

·       Create a support network. It helps to have family, friends, and co-workers who will support you in your new lifestyle habits. Families can serve healthy meals for gatherings and your friends can limit drinks with added sugar. You can also limit TV watching time when your children are playing together. At work, go on short power walks with colleagues and talk to co-workers about making healthier choices at the cafeteria or vending machine. Let as many people as possible know what your goals are and, hopefully, they will not only support you, but join you!

·       Set realistic goals. The best goals are specific, possible, and forgiving (not perfect). "Eat three servings of fruit a day" is a better goal than "eat more fruit."