Childhood obesity a growing problem in NC

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C.,None — First Lady Michelle Obama stopped in uptown Friday and encouraged kids to get out and exercise. It's part of her "Let's Move" campaign to fight childhood obesity.

According to the CDC, there are 12.5 million children and adolescents, ages 2-19, nationwide who are considered obese.

Jane Meyer with Smart Start of Mecklenburg County said it's a growing problem in North Carolina and Mecklenburg County.

North Carolina has the 11th-highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. In Mecklenburg County, 30 percent of children ages 5 and under are obese or overweight.

Meyer said weight problems at such a young age create problems later in life.

"They can have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes," she said.

She said the reason for the numbers being on the way up can vary. In some cases, eating healthy can be too costly for some families. It could also be an unhealthy lifestyle example set by parents.

“We need to set an example for our children,” Meyer said. “We need to follow the same guidelines."

While there are a number of reasons for why the obesity rate is so high, Meyer said there is a simple solution to help bring that number down, and that is to make sure every child gets outside and exercises at least 60 minutes a day.

She said Smart Start has received a number of grants and is working with the school system and health department to better educate parents and children on ways to live healthy.

WSOC