Childhood Obesity
The CDC notes that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. The prevalence of obesity among children ages 6-11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. This will have devastating effects since overweight children are more likely to stay overweight as adults. The incidence of type 2 diabetes which traditionally has been diagnosed after the age of 40, is now going to be seen as early as age 20. Children have unique nutritional needs as they are still growing and therefore structuring a dietary plan with medical supervision to fit those needs is important. Success largely depends on parental commitment to help the child make these changes.