There’s a problem in society that must be addressed. The numbers of children that are suffering from obesity are at an all-time high, and has tripled since the 1970s. Today, nearly 20% of children are classified as obese, and unless steps are taken to reduce those numbers, then obesity among youths will only continue to rise. 

So why have the numbers shot up so dramatically? There are a number of reasons why, but perhaps the two that have contributed more than any other is the adoption of sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits. In the olden days, children would keep themselves entertained by playing outdoors, which would naturally help to keep fit and active. Today, they’re more likely to stay sitting indoors, playing on their personal devices and video game consoles. The abundance of fast food options and other unhealthy snacks also play a big role. 

The effects of childhood obesity can be severe. A youth that is obese is much more likely to develop a number of serious health conditions when they’re older, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Those are long-term effects, but there are short-term effects too. For example, obese children have been shown to find it more difficult to excel academically, and it can also contribute towards poor emotional well-being, including low self-esteem and depression, among others.

As such, it’s important that the issue is tackled head-on. To learn more about the causes and effects of childhood obesity, check out the infographic below.