The Newark Advocate – Staff Writer
Childhood obesity has risen significantly in the United States over the past two decades. Approximately 17% of youth in the United States are obese, and nearly one in three children and adolescents are either overweight or obese. There are many factors that contribute to the increase of childhood obesity, such as consuming foods that lack essential nutrients and living a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics also may factor into the risk of obesity although does not mean a child will become obese. Children who have the aforementioned risk factors and are currently obese may develop medical problems that continue into adulthood, such as type 2 diabetes.