The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years.

The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period. In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.

Childhood obesity can have both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being.

Listen as Dr.Francisco Cervantes, pediatirician and a member of the Medical Staff at Doctors Hospital of Laredo, discusses this epidemic of childhood obesity and how parents can help their children make better food choices, be more active which will give them the best foundation for which to lead a healthier life.