This paper discusses the problem of child obesity. This problem is growing in America. Twenty-five percent of American children and adolescents are obese - double the number who was overweight 30 years ago. Each year, the obesity rate among kids increases by 1%. Teen girls are twice as likely to think they are overweight (44%) and to be trying to lose weight (60%) than teen boys. Ninety-five percent of the people diagnosed with eating disorders are female. Pediatricians and nutritionists agree that rising obesity among young people is closely linked to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle in which TV, video games and computers are fast becoming the leisure activities of choice. Of course, a lack of physical activity is just one side of the weight gain equation. The other is an unbalanced diet that's heavy on high-fat foods.
