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Numerous medical studies show that American youths are less active and a lot fatter. Spending more time in front of the TV or the computer and less physical time has made them more liable to suffer from heart disease as adults.

In Canada over 26% of children and youth (1.6 million children) are considered overweight or obese. Childhood obesity studies show that 40% of obese children and 70% of obese adolescents become obese adults, greatly increasing the risk of high cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Childhood obesity is becoming such a ticking time bomb due to inactivity and poor food choices that overweight children between the ages of 6 and 19 has tripled since 1970.

"Our study suggests that more of these young adults will have heart disease when they are 35-50 years old, resulting in more hospitalizations, medical procedures, need for chronic medications, missed work days and shortened life expectancy," said Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, lead author of the study. Another reason for the growth in childhood obesity can be linked to the declining number of physical education classed in schools due to budgetary restrictions and cutbacks. When children become so accustomed to tasks that are more cerebral than physical, it's harder to get them moving.

These alarming statistics are reversible. Childhood obesity experts offer common solutions such as improving nutrition, playing sports and spending more time outside. Get your child signed up to a team sport, martial art, swimming lesson or summer camp and restrict TV and computer time to a few hours a week. Get them healthy and active today!