Dr. Joseph L. Mancusi, Health Correspondent

In the past 30 years, childhood obesity has increased from 6.5% to 19.6% in children 6 to 11 years old. Teen obesity went from 5% to 18% in the same period. Increased heart disease risk, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, is present in 70% of obese youth. These children are at greater risk for bone and joint disease, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems. They are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and osteoarthritis as adults according to the CDC.

The bottom line is this: Childhood obesity is no longer cute; it is deadly. Obese parents produce obese children. Almost all obese children are made sick by the food choices provided by parents and the lack of vigorous exercise demanded by them.

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