Obesity in children and adolescents: prevention strategies
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Obesity in children and adolescents is a major public health concern. It is associated with a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The prevalence of obesity has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, particularly among young people. In the United States, more than one-third of children aged 6-19 years are considered obese.
The factors contributing to obesity are complex and multifactorial, but there is evidence that certain environmental and societal factors play an important role in encouraging unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles among children and adolescents. In fact, several studies have found that television viewing time is positively associated with body mass index (BMI) in children as young as 2 years old.
In addition to limiting screen time (which will help reduce calorie intake), parents can help their children maintain healthy weights by encouraging them to get plenty of physical activity every day. One study found that increased physical activity was associated with lower BMI scores among overweight children aged 8-12 years old. Another study found that kids who participated in twice-weekly after-school programs had better dietary habits than their non-participating peers; these programs also helped increase physical activity levels among participants by an average of 30 minutes per day!
question
Obesity in children and adolescents: prevention strategies