Adult obesity is a serious and rising health epidemic

Adult obesity is a serious and rising health epidemic in the US. You are not alone in this fight. About 69% of adults in the US are either overweight or obese. In fact, 42% of women over the age of 60 can be classified as obese. Individuals who have a BMI of 30 or above face a 50% increase in the risk of death related to obesity.

Children have also become victims of this disease. Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The statistics are alarming as 1 in 3 children and adolescents meet the criteria for obesity or overweight. Increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and other co-morbid
conditions associated with obesity. Additionally, overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese as adults. Multiple aspects of the child’s lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise patterns must be addressed, and involving the family is a critical element to a successful weight management program for the child.