Final answer:
Childhood and teen obesity rates have significantly increased since the 1980s, with the rates in teenagers tripling. The rise in obesity is linked to various health issues, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Healthier dietary choices and exercise are key to combating obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recent Trends in Childhood and Teen Obesity
The obesity rates in children and teens have been on a concerning upward trend in recent years. Since the 1980s, obesity has been recognized as a growing epidemic, with the rate of obesity in teenagers having tripled. This distressing pattern persists as, by 2010, data showed nearly 36 percent of adults and a significant proportion of youths were obese, with higher concentrations in the southern states of the United States. This increase is associated with various health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
The current generation is at risk of having shorter life spans than their predecessors due to the high rates of obesity. Obesity and being overweight are linked to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. A child is considered obese when their body weight is at least 20 percent higher than what is healthy for their height, a factor contributing to increased overall risk of morbidity.
Choices in diet and exercise play critical roles in combating this trend. By choosing healthy foods, referencing tools like MyPyramid, reading food labels, and engaging in adequate physical activities, individuals can balance their energy intake and expenditure, helping to prevent obesity.