from journal Pediatrics
Childhood obesity in this country continues to get worse. That is the conclusion of a report by researchers at Emory University published in the journal Pediatrics. It shows approximately forty percent of our high school students and young adults were considered overweight or obese before leaving grade school. The report links obesity to poor mental health and a precursor of chronic diseases in adulthood, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Authors say that for decades the obesity among children has worsened despite efforts by many parents and policy makers. They say there is an urgent need for an aggressive national plan to stem the tide of obesity and its consequences over a lifetime.