Excess weight is fueling a doubling of the number of teens over the last decade considered prediabetic or diabetic. This is a jump from 9% in 1999 to 23% in 2008. Almost half of overweight teens and more than 60% of obese teens had one or more cardiovascular risk factors–high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high blood pressure and diabetes.
PositiveTip: Parents, do all you can to support healthy eating patterns and an active lifestyle for your teens, and preteens.