Childhood obesity is on the rise, and if the rates keep growing, more than half of the children in the United States will face some serious health and body image issues.
According to a new study out of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, more than 53% of children will be obese by the time they turn 35. The study also found that if a child is obese at a very young age, it’s a pretty good indicator that they will be obese as an adult.
The Pharmacy Times says the study used a simulation model which predicted long-term weight-gain from childhood to the age 35. It tested a group of 41,567 children and adults to determine that obesity will continue and become harmful if things do not change.
The researchers conducting the study found that three out of four children who were obese at the age of two will definitely be obese at the age of 35. However, they also found that those who struggled with severe obesity at the age of two, but who were able to get help early on, were less likely to be obese later in life. The key to preventing the problem is early detection and early intervention.
However, it’s important to note that just because a child isn’t obese throughout their younger or teenage years, that doesn’t mean that they won’t be obese as an adult. The study also found that over half of children from ages two to 19 will be obese in the future, even though they aren’t dealing with weight problems today.
According to Centre Daily Times, obesity as a child can lead to bullying, mental health problems, and other physical hurdles. They are more likely to be teased by their classmates and have a higher risk of developing a chronic illness. These chronic health issues can range from diabetes and asthma to joint and bone problems.
The national childhood obesity rate currently sits at 18.5%. Preventing or tackling the issue while the child is young will take a team of experts, a lot of time, and a lot of hard work. However, it will be worth it in the end.
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