Free Article: World Statistics on Obesity in Children

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Dismal Numbers: World Statistics on Obesity in Children
By Linda Rogers

Residents of the United States have been hearing for some time that obesity is on the rise among the youth in this country. The problems with obesity that this country is battling is not limited to the boundaries of the U.S. Obesity has become a global issue, as world statistics on obesity in children are rising steadily. Even developing countries are now seeing an increase in obesity within their populations. Some of the world statistics on obesity in children show that the global number of kids with this condition can be as high as 22 million, for children age five and younger. These figures steadily increase as children get older, and have been seen in areas like Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and South America. Even regions that are dealing with malnutrition throughout much of their populations are also seeing an increase in obesity and health problems related to it.

The world statistics on obesity in children have become significant enough that the World Health Organization (WHO) has become actively involved in researching and finding ways to treat and prevent the condition. A task force called the International Obesity Task Force has been formed to study the implications of these world statistics on obesity in children around the globe, to determine the best methods for controlling this issue. This organization has found that 300 million people worldwide are considered obese, and 750 million are overweight. These numbers cite a serious health problem, when one considers that obesity can contribute to arthritis issues, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. It has also been found that obese children and teens have an exponentially higher risk of becoming obese adults.

What can be done to Reverse the World Statistics on Obesity in Children?

With the alarming rise in the world statistics on obesity in children, world health officials are coming to the decision that a more aggressive campaign against junk food and in favor of healthy eating is in order. Junk food, and the worldwide availability of it, is a primary reason that is attributed to the rise in obesity. Controlling public intake of unhealthy foods is a problem that involves marketers and manufacturers as well as parents, educators, and health care professionals. The entire attitude of the population must be changed in regards to unhealthy eating, and should also incorporate the need for daily exercise. By changing hearts and minds around the globe to consider a healthier lifestyle, the world statistics on obesity in children can slowly but surely be reversed.

Author Details:
Linda Rogers writes for various websites about obesity and weight loss with a special interest in the growing problem of child obesity.

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