Solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation : White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity report to the President.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

United States. White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity

Contributor:

United States. Executive Office of the President

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Obesity in children--United States.

Obesity in children.

Behavior modification--United States.

Behavior modification.

Problem solving in children.

Children.

Health promotion.

Nutrition policy.

Obesity--epidemiology.

Child.

Health Priorities--standards.

Health Promotion.

Nutrition Policy.

United States.

children (people by age group).

Medical Subjects:

Obesity--epidemiology.

Child.

Health Priorities--standards.

Health Promotion.

Nutrition Policy.

United States.

Genre:

Statistics

Statistics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Other Title:

White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity report to the President

Place of Publication:

[Washington, D.C.] : Executive Office of the President of the United States, [2010]

Summary:

"The childhood obesity epidemic in America is a national health crisis. One in every three children (31.7%) ages 2-19 is overweight or obese. The life-threatening consequences of this epidemic create a compelling and critical call for action that cannot be ignored. Obesity is estimated to cause 112,000 deaths per year in the United States, and one third of all children born in the year 2000 are expected to develop diabetes during their lifetime. The current generation may even be on track to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. Along with the effects on our children's health, childhood obesity imposes substantial economic costs. Each year, obese adults incur an estimated $1,429 more in medical expenses than their normal-weight peers. Overall, medical spending on adults that was attributed to obesity topped approximately $40 billion in 1998, and by 2008, increased to an estimated $147 billion. Excess weight is also costly during childhood, estimated at $3 billion per year in direct medical costs. Childhood obesity also creates potential implications for military readiness. More than one quarter of all Americans ages 17-24 are unqualified for military service because they are too heavy. As one military leader noted recently, 'We have an obesity crisis in the country. There's no question about it. These are the same young people we depend on to serve in times of need and ultimately protect this nation.' While these statistics are striking, there is much reason to be hopeful. There is considerable knowledge about the risk factors associated with childhood obesity. Research and scientific information on the causes and consequences of childhood obesity form the platform on which to build our national policies and partner with the private sector to end the childhood obesity epidemic. Effective policies and tools to guide healthy eating and active living are within our grasp. This report will focus and expand on what we can do together to: 1. create a healthy start on life for our children, from pregnancy through early childhood; 2. empower parents and caregivers to make healthy choices for their families; 3. serve healthier food in schools; 4. ensure access to healthy, affordable food; and 5. increase opportunities for physical activity."

Notes:

Title from PDF title page.

"May 2010."

Includes bibliographical references.

OCLC:

640128347