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facts and stats
The dramatic cuts in physical education classes in schools all around the country, poor nutrition, and the increasing sedentary behaviors (television, video and computer games) are some of the factors contributing to the increasing rate in childhood obesity and the increasing risk of children developing chronic diseases such as type II diabetes.
Here are some facts that reflect current trends in childhood obesity and lack of exercise among children:
- 15% of children and adolescents between 6 to 9 years old are seriously overweight (U.S. Government Statistics).
- Obesity increases the risk for chronic disease and contibutspsychological and social dysfunction.
- Overweight children have a 70% chance of becoming overweight adults (U.S. Surgeon General).
- Children who remain active into adulthood are less likely to smoke, have lower cholesterol, and lower body fat.
- Through its effects on mental health, physical activity can help increase children’s capacity for learning.
- Physical activity reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes.
- Less than 36% of schools offer P.E daily.
- Physical activity and fitness decrease high blood pressure, lower levels of body fat and LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
- Kids born today are expected to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to inactivity and poor diets.
