Obesity is a serious condition that can shorten one’s life span, which can result in higher life insurance premiums – especially if it is linked to any pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.
A recent study showed that the dangers of obesity could start to develop long before adulthood, which is why parents need to promote a healthy diet and exercise routine at an early stage. This can prevent the risk of obesity in the future.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that children and adolescents should do at least 60 minutes (1 hour) of physical activity each day. The CDC recommends three types of physical activity to help develop a healthy lifestyle: aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and bone strengthening.
According to a report recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a study of several thousand Native American children over the course of four decades, found that adults who had the highest body mass index scores (BMI of 30 or greater) as children were 2.3 times more likely to die earlier than those with lower scores.
Such statistics have become more relevant than ever in light of a nationwide trend where, according to a New York Times article, nearly 33 percent of American children are currently considered to be overweight or obese.
The American Heart Association stated that childhood obesity has topped drug abuse and smoking as the No. 1 health concern among parents in the United States. This is because obesity can cause a broad range of health and psychological problems.
Childhood obesity is also considered a global concern. The Word Health Organization published that in 2011, over 40 million children under the age of five were overweight.
According to some recent statistics, the problem may be leveling off as a result of a growing awareness for public health and proper nutrition. However, the WHO projects that 700 million adults will be obese by 2015 and 2.3 billion adults will be overweight.
Those who begin the process of getting into shape at an earlier stage will enjoy a healthier life and lower life insurance premiums.