Overweight children are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other health problems, ... They're part of an epidemic of overweight and obesity that must be addressed so that they can lead healthier lives.
As obesity rates continue to grow at epidemic proportions in this country, the net effect will be dramatic increases in related chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The continuing epidemic of obesity is a critical public health concern. As a nation, we need to respond as vigorously to this epidemic as we do to an infectious disease epidemic.