Final answer:
Obese children have a considerable risk of becoming overweight adults, with obesity linked to serious health risks and potentially lower life expectancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of obese children who later become overweight adults is significant, with estimates often indicating a high likelihood of obesity persisting into adulthood. It's essential to understand that obesity in children is not just having a little extra body fat; it is defined as being substantially over a healthy weight for their height, often at least 20 percent over.
These children are at a higher risk of numerous health issues as they grow older, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. They are also more likely to develop arthritis and some types of cancer and have a higher risk of having a fatal heart attack in their middle ages. Given this background and the range of percentages provided, we can conclude the question is referring to a significant and distressing trend that requires attention.