Why Be Concerned?

·      

Since 1980, childhood overweight & obesity has increased 49% among preschool children, 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!