Obesity rates are staggering in this country. About 30 years ago, eight-percent of young adults (aged 18-29) in the U.S. were obese. Now it’s three times as high – 24-percent. That’s the latest from a new report just out from the National Center for Health Statistics.
Rates up in school-age kids, too
The report also shows the prevalence of overweight went up in school-age children between 1988–1994 and 2005–2006:
- Among 6–11 year-olds, from 11 percent to 15 percent
- Among 12–19 years-olds, from 11 percent to 18 percent
Glimmer of hope?
Obesity rates do not seem to be increasing as quickly as they did in past decades. But they are still high – over one-third of adults age 20 and over were considered obese in 2005–2006.
What about exercise?
In 2005-2006, one-third of adults age 18 years and over exercised regularly. About one-fifth did strength training.
What to do?
Talking to your kids about their weight can be a touchy subject, but with stats like these, it’s critical to do so to help keep them from serious illnesses that can come with obesity like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. I talked to two experts about what to say… and what not to say. I learned a lot from these interviews and hope they help you, too.
Soon we will be like the Lilliputians, Sahar. I hope “Gulliver” will be nice to us
I hope you’re wrong, Dr. J!