What’s the Big Deal?

Children and adults in Tennessee are some of the unhealthiest people in our nation! That’s a BIG DEAL! Fast food, super-sized portions, unhealthy snacking and ever-increasing technology are resulting in weight gain and sedentary lifestyles in both children and adults in Tennessee.

Here are more reasons why this is a BIG DEAL for Tennesseans.

• Obese and overweight children have a lower self esteem. A lower self esteem often is associated with increased rates of loneliness, sadness and nervousness.
• Obese and overweight children also are more likely to use tobacco and drink alcohol.
• Sixty percent of overweight children ages 5 to 10 have at least one cardiovascular risk factor.
• Obesity and overweight are risk factors for several of the leading causes of death in Tennessee, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers.
• Obesity is a risk factor for major health conditions including high blood pressure, gallbladder disease and osteoarthritis.
• Type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed with greater frequency in overweight children.
• Thirty percent of obese children suffer from sleep apnea, which also is associated with decreased learning and memory functions.
• Medical costs attributed to obesity in children increased from $35 million in 1979 to $127 billion in 1999.