Childhood obesity and its origins and causes have become increasingly controversial topics in the recent time with soda and sugary drinks at the forefront of public discussion. The New York soda ban is just one example of an attempt to protect citizens from excessive consumption of calorie loaded drinks. But what does obesity actually mean and what is the difference to 'simple' overweight?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overweight means to have an excess body weight for a particular height. This may include fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of all of those factors. Obesity on the other hand is defined specifically as having excess body fat.
„Body mass index (BMI) is a measure used to determine childhood overweight and obesity. It is calculated using a child's weight and height," the CDC website reads. "BMI does not measure body fat directly, but it is a reasonable indicator of body fatness for most children and teens."
"Overweight is defined as a BMI at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex."
The CDC says that 17 per cent of youth in America are obese, which is a total of 12.5 million.
Read also:
> Kids Gain Weight from Soda: Average of 270 Calories a Day from Sugary Drinks, Study Says
> Childhood Obesity: Beverage Lobby Hits Back Saying Sugary Drinks Are Not Only Factor
To learn more about a child's BMI, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/childrens_bmi/about_childrens_bmi.html
