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Childhood Obesity: Solutions to Address a Growing Health Concern

Beth Haney

Childhood obesity is an epidemic condition that leads to chronic disease in adulthood, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). “Cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States and other nations” and risk factors begin in childhood. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Report on Health in the U.S. (2013), in2011 - 2012, 20.5% of U.S. children aged 2 – 19 were classified as obese. Because of the rapid development of obesity in genetically stable populations, the childhood obesity epidemic can be primarily attributed to adverse environmental factors for which straightforward although politically difficult solutions exist. Researchers have found plant-based diets that limit added sugar and red meat, such as the Mediterranean diet, decrease the risk and incidence of chronic diseases including diabetes, CVD, and hypertension (HTN) . In addition these diets can increase energy levels and sense of well-being and if started during childhood, may prevent chronic disease in adults.