The economic impact of obesity and associated chronic disease has been estimated to be approximately $1 billion in South Carolina alone and $100 billion nationwide. Obesity in children and adolescents has been associated with several chronic disease states including diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea, and gall bladder disease. Several studies document that prevalence of type II diabetes is increasing among children and adolescents. Children who are overweight are at increased risk of becoming overweight or obese adults. Nationally, the prevalence of adult obesity increased 75% between 1991 and 2000 (from 22.9% to 30.5%). Adult obesity is an important risk factor for several chronic disease conditions. Approximately 14% of the South Carolina population is low income and is at higher risk for food insecurity obesity. The causes of obesity are complex and include genetics, lack of physical activity, and high-fat, energy-dense foods, which are readily accessible, inexpensive, heavily advertised, and palatable. Furthermore, individuals who are overweight may not eat more than normal-weight individuals, but instead may have a positive energy balance due to low-energy output.
A recent review of the dietary intake, food resource management
practices, nutrition practices and food safety Bowl of fruitpractices
of parents in South Carolina reveals that only 14% demonstrated
acceptable food resource management practices; 9% demonstrated
acceptable nutrition practices; 46% demonstrated acceptable food safety
practices; 27.4% consume an adequate number of servings of breads and
cereals; 20.8% consume an adequate number of servings of fruit; 20.8%
consume an adequate number of servings of vegetables; 10.1% consume an
adequate number of servings of dairy; and, 2.4% consume a food pattern
with a 6-2-3-2-2 pattern of intake from the food groups. Only 12% of
Americans eat a healthy diet consistent with federal nutrition
recommendations. The typical American diet is too high in saturated
fat, salt, and refined sugar and too low in fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, calcium, and fiber. Only 2% of school-aged children meet the
Food Guide Pyramid serving recommendations for all 5 major food groups,
and not more than 30% eat the recommended amount from any 1 of the 5
major food groups. There is a need to increase food safety through
improved processing and packaging, screen vegetables for pesticides and
develop new diagnostic procedures for animal pathogens.
Childhood overweight and obesity is a serious health issue, with the
prevalence reaching epidemic proportions and more than doubling in the
last three decades, with even higher rates among subpopulations of
minority and economically disadvantaged children and adolescents.
United States : 
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