CDC: Teens continue obesity trend
By Matthew White
Sun Staff Writer
mwhite@evesun.com
CHENANGO COUNTY – In addition to the number of risks and dangers directly susceptible to children and youth, the obesity epidemic has continued to grow over the past decade at an alarming rate.
Parenting has never been more difficult, and society has paved the way for sedentary lifestyles. Regardless of what some may claim to be the beneficial impacts of modern technology, the majority of middle school aged children owning cell phones and other electronic gadgets being the norm is an obvious detriment.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued figures Wednesday confirming what society has been aware of, yet reluctant to openly talk about with those directly affected – teenagers.
In a study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), less than half of American youths ages 12 to 15 are aerobically fit. This data was published and released this week by the CDC.
That's down from 52 percent of youths in 1999 to 2000, which was also the last time this survey was conducted. The test measures "adequate" levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, which children need not only for sports but for good overall health.
The study also showed that girls were particularly out of shape, with only 34 percent of them having adequate cardiovascular health, compared to 50 percent of their male counterparts.
The increase in childhood obesity – in younger children ages 3 to 7 – may have peaked, according to information released last year by the CDC. Even if that's true, the point at which obesity has stabilized is terrifying.
Reversing the trend comes as no easy task. It seems parents and educators alike are going to have to get on the same page to battle the epidemic, as children spend the bulk of their days in schools where being physically active during instruction is considered a nuisance.
Often, parents fear going anywhere near the issue of weight with their teenage children because they're worried about causing body image issues or making them worse. Parents are afraid that if they mention healthier eating or getting more exercise, that a teenager will translate that into: "Mom thinks I'm fat."
Regarding tips on how to address obesity, WebMD suggests that “It's always beneficial to talk to your kids about healthy weight. It's like talking to your kid about safety helmets or not drinking when they drive.”
It's a fact of life, and we're all at high risk of being overweight and our young teens and youth ought to know what causes it.
Sun Staff Writer
mwhite@evesun.com
CHENANGO COUNTY – In addition to the number of risks and dangers directly susceptible to children and youth, the obesity epidemic has continued to grow over the past decade at an alarming rate.
Parenting has never been more difficult, and society has paved the way for sedentary lifestyles. Regardless of what some may claim to be the beneficial impacts of modern technology, the majority of middle school aged children owning cell phones and other electronic gadgets being the norm is an obvious detriment.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued figures Wednesday confirming what society has been aware of, yet reluctant to openly talk about with those directly affected – teenagers.
In a study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), less than half of American youths ages 12 to 15 are aerobically fit. This data was published and released this week by the CDC.
That's down from 52 percent of youths in 1999 to 2000, which was also the last time this survey was conducted. The test measures "adequate" levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, which children need not only for sports but for good overall health.
The study also showed that girls were particularly out of shape, with only 34 percent of them having adequate cardiovascular health, compared to 50 percent of their male counterparts.
The increase in childhood obesity – in younger children ages 3 to 7 – may have peaked, according to information released last year by the CDC. Even if that's true, the point at which obesity has stabilized is terrifying.
Reversing the trend comes as no easy task. It seems parents and educators alike are going to have to get on the same page to battle the epidemic, as children spend the bulk of their days in schools where being physically active during instruction is considered a nuisance.
Often, parents fear going anywhere near the issue of weight with their teenage children because they're worried about causing body image issues or making them worse. Parents are afraid that if they mention healthier eating or getting more exercise, that a teenager will translate that into: "Mom thinks I'm fat."
Regarding tips on how to address obesity, WebMD suggests that “It's always beneficial to talk to your kids about healthy weight. It's like talking to your kid about safety helmets or not drinking when they drive.”
It's a fact of life, and we're all at high risk of being overweight and our young teens and youth ought to know what causes it.
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