Why is obesity such a pressing issue?
The rate of obesity has been rising rapidly in the U.S. and abroad, and for the first time in history, this generation of children may live a shorter life than their parents. Overnutrition and obesity now surpass undernourishment as the world’s leading food and nutrition problem. Obesity-related illnesses cost the United States $117 billion in 2000, and the bill will only grow as more Americans continue to gain weight. Adult onset diabetes is now referred to as type-2 diabetes, as many children are now developing this disease as a result of being overweight or obese. Doctors are reporting other typically adult-related diseases in overweight children, such as arthritis, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Being overweight as a child increases the probability of remaining overweight as an adult, so naturally, many doctors worry about the future health of today’s children and how our already-burdened health system will cope with them. Obesity is not only a physical problem, but acts a
