Among children and adolescents, annual hospital costs related to obesity were $127 million during 1997-1999, up from $35 million during 1979-1981.
Unhealthy diet and physical activity play an important role in many chronic diseases and conditions including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder disease, and arthritis.
In 2000, the total cost of obesity in the United States was estimated to be $117 billion.
Habits form during childhood and adolescent development. So the best time to get on the track to healthy habits that will last a lifetime is now!
Statistics available from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
