Obesity in Children

Kids today spend less time exercising and being active and more time in front of the TV, computer and video games. Fast food, high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks are common parts of the average kid’s diet.  As a result of these and other characteristics of our modern lifestyle, the number of children and teens who are overweight or obese is growing at an alarming rate.  Some public health officials have called this the “obesity epidemic.”

Like kids across the country, Cleveland’s young people are impacted by obesity and the unhealthy behaviors associated with being overweight:

  • More than 23% of Cleveland high school students don’t engage in any physical activity
  • 32% of high schoolers in Cleveland are overweight or at risk of overweight
  • Nearly half of Cleveland’s high school-aged kids watch an excessive amount of television
  • Only 28% of high school students in Cleveland eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day

Learn more about Cleveland youth and unhealthy behaviors from the Case Western Reserve University Division of Adolescent Health

Health risks for overweight children

Overweight children are at risk for many very serious health conditions that impact their current health as well as their future health: 

  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • bone and joint problems
  • shortness of breath that makes exercise, sports or any physical activity more difficult and may aggravate the symptoms or increase the chances of developing asthma
  • restless or disordered sleep patterns
  • liver and gall bladder disease
  • depression

Overweight children also confront many difficult body image and social issues.  They may be more likely to be teased or bullied or to have low self-esteem. 

Preventing childhood obesity

Overweight children are more likely to be overweight adults. Successfully preventing or treating overweight in childhood may reduce the risk of adult overweight. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Addressing childhood obesity involves many approaches and strategies, including:

  • including the whole family in practicing healthy behaviors

Click here for Resources for Parents about healthy eating and active living

  • making positive changes to young people’s environments—such as offering healthy vending options, making sure routes to and from school are walkable and building time into every school day for physical activity
  • focusing on small but permanent changes in nutrition and levels of activity