Obesity Health Risk: 1 Out Of 3 Children Consume Junk Food Every Day Putting Them At Risk Of Health Complications

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The battle against obesity in the United States is getting tougher as the year's pass. As of the latest update in regards to childhood obesity, it was mentioned that 1 out of 3 children eat junk food every day placing them at risk of serious health complications in the future.

Childhood obesity is one of the biggest health problems that the United States is facing up to this date. Daily Mail mentioned that health care organizations are struggling to win the battle as fast food joint and junk food is starting to take its toll. Despite the pledge of restaurants in the United States to deliver healthier menu options, junk food, especially salty and sugary treats continually take its toll.

Childhood obesity is starting to reach an alarming state as 18 percent of the children aging six to 11 and 21 percent of adolescents aging 12 to 19 are considered obese. These statistics were acquired by the researchers from Harvard University.

"I think it's disconcerting because it's good to have these kinds of programs that promote health, but these restaurants need to be held accountable," Senior author of the study involving obesity,  Dr. Christina Roberto, stated. "We need to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to fix this. Programs like Kids LiveWell are a good start but the reality is more needs to be done if we're going to be serious about tackling obesity."

Since 2015, 150 chain restaurants joined the drive to combat obesity under the Kids LiveWell program. These restaurants pledged to remove soda from the kids' menu and increase the list of nutritious items of the kids' list as well.

Though the initiative may seem like a positive start, it was mentioned that the menu that they have are still infused with salt and sugar. It was highlighted that sugar-sweetened beverages still make up 80 percent of children's beverage options, despite voluntary pledges to reduce their prevalence. Parents should be keen when it comes to their children's diet as childhood obesity is responsible for $14 billion in direct cost.