Jump Into Healthy Living

The Childhood Obesity Epidemic-

Why be concerned? 

• Since 1980, childhood overweight & obesity has doubled among children 5-12 and tripled among teens.

• Today, 1 in 3 children are overweight

• If the obesity epidemic continues at the current rate, 1 in 3 children born in 2000 will develop diabetes.

• 70-80% of overweight youth become overweight adults.

• Excess weight in both children & adults contributes to:

          - high blood pressure
          - type II diabetes
          - high cholesterol
          - breathing difficulties
          - sleep apnea
          - depression 

Helping children develop healthy eating & activity habits is vital to their health as adults.  Adult eating habits & attitudes about active living begin in childhood and follow people the rest of their lives!