May 19th, 2012 by Len Saunders
From Winnipeg Free Press?..
Reducing the ?epidemic? of childhood obesity in Ontario by 20 per cent over the next five years is the goal of a new experts panel announced by the government Friday.
About one-quarter of kids in the province between the ages of two and 17 are deemed overweight, and the problem is only expected to grow, Health Minister Deb Matthews said.
?Childhood obesity is a complex issue,? Matthews said. ?We don?t know what it is we have to do.?
The 17-member ?Healthy Kids? panel will report with its strategy recommendations by Christmas.
Statistics suggest about three-quarters of obese children grow into obese adults, costing Ontario?s health-care system an estimated $4.5 billion in direct and indirect costs.
The problem has been linked to the development of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in later life.
Overall, childhood obesity rates rose to 26 per cent in 2004 from 15 per cent in 1979, government figures show.
?If we don?t take action, the cost to the health-care system will be extraordinary,? Matthews said.
Matthews admitted a 20 per cent reduction was a ?tremendously ambitious target? but called it critical to tackle ?one of the most challenging issues facing Ontario?s health-care future.?
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Entry Filed under: Health / Fitness Articles
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