Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

We invite you to add your comments - if you have feedback for the blog, would like some specific topics covered, or you just want to share your experience as a parent dealing with childhood obesity.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Obese, Overweight Kids Experience Dramatic Rise in Hospitalization Rates

According to a July 9 USA Today article, hospitalizations rates for overweight and obese children have dramatically increased in the first half of the current decade:
The number of hospitalizations of kids and teens, ages 2 to 19, with a primary or secondary diagnosis of obesity nearly doubled between 1999 and 2005, climbing from 21,743 to 42,429, according to a study published Thursday on the Health Affairs website.

These were stays for obesity-related conditions such as asthma, diabetes, gallbladder disease, pneumonia, skin infections, pregnancy complications, depression and other mental disorders.
USA Today also reported that hospitalization costs for overweight and obese children rose from about $126 million in 2001 to about $238 million four years later.

Labels: health problems, overweight children, hospitals

Posted By: Aspen/CRC