The rapid rise in childhood obesity is one of the most disturbing growing trends in Texas. While the rates of obesity are increasing among all demographic populations, the issue is particularly threatening to some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities. Children, youth and populations that typically have low rates of insurance coverage have some of the highest rates of obesity, according to a recent report published Texas Health Institute and the Methodist Health Care Ministries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 33% of U.S. adults and 16% of U.S. children are obese. The rate for obesity in adults has doubled, and in children has tripled, since 1980. In Texas the numbers are even more troubling. The Department of State Health Services found that nearly 66 percent of Texas adults were overweight or obese. Data from 2007 shows that 32 percent of Texas high-school students were overweight or obese; while 2004-05data reports that 42% of all 4th graders and 39% of all 8th graders were either obese or overweight. Texas Department of Agriculture
If current trends continue, the annual cost of addressing weight-related health issues will exceed $15.6 billion in 2010 and $39 billion by 2040, according to the Texas Interagency Obesity Council. While the financial costs of addressing these conditions are high, the impact that on the quality of life of a generation of children is even more costly. The continuously rising rates of obesity among children are commonly attributed to increasingly sedentary lifestyles and high calorie food consumption. The prevalence of unhealthy food, the lack of access to nutritious food, and the lack of natural and active outdoor expereinces are major contributors to the childhood obesity epidemic that seems to be sweeping the United States. Far too often these conditions exist in communities that are already at risk for economic and health disparities. This epidemic has lead researchers to express fears that the life expectancy of the current generation will be shorter than their parents because of the many risk factors for chronic disease that are tied directly to obesity.
For more information, go to:
Partership for a Healthy Texas
Texas Health Institute/State Demographer’s Obesity Projections
Texas Interagency Obesity Council Report
Department of State Health Service
