14 DAY TRIAL // Researchers working with the American Heart Association have recently published a new paper showing that obesity among young people in the United States is on the rise.
They say that, according to recent investigations, roughly 5% of the children and teenagers presently living in said country qualify as severely obese.
Besides, evidence suggests that this percentage will increase in the years to come.
According to Live Science, a young person qualifies as obese if their body mass index (BMI) is at least 20% higher than the one of 95% of other individuals their age.
Many of these kids and teens have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Others are dealing with health issues such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and symptoms associated with atherosclerosis.
“Severe obesity in young people has grave health consequences. It's a much more serious childhood disease than obesity,” study author Aaron Kelly says.
The researchers recommend that these young people's families and doctors encourage them to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Medication and surgery should be considered a last resort, they say.
What's more, these two forms of treatment should only be used to rid young people of obesity once further research shows that they can safely and effectively be used for this purpose.