Childhood Obesity Awareness Month was created to fight this negative trend in our next generation’s health. COAM embodies the principle “Think globally; act locally.”
Taken from the AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE
The fourth annual National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month kicked off Sept. 1, and the movement encourages all Americans to take steps to reduce the effects of the childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S.
More than 23 million U.S. children and teenagers are overweight or obese, according to recent data. Childhood obesity is linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, breathing problems, joint problems, fatty liver disease and other health concerns.
The epidemic also places a financial burden on all of us: Obesity requires $14 billion per year in direct health care costs in the U.S.
Read more about Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Learn about some sobering childhood obesity facts here.