Childhood obesity is growing. Back in 2003, pediatric endocrinologists at the University at Buffalo, children as young as three are obese. They have shown that children as young as 10 have abnormal liver function and high insulin levels—possibly leading to type II diabetes. These findings were presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting May 3, 2003 in Seattle.
Recent data show childhood obesity remains a major concern in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2017–2020 about 19.7% of U.S. youths aged 2–19 are affected by obesity — roughly 14.7 million children and adolescents. CDC
Rates have increased compared with earlier decades: in 2011–2012, obesity prevalence among U.S. youths was around 17.7%, and by 2017–2020 had risen to 21.5%. PMC
Because childhood obesity affects nearly 1 in 5 U.S. children today, there are concerns about early liver changes, insulin dysregulation, and long-term health complications.
