One in three children and youth (ages 2-19) in the United States are already overweight or obese.About 30 percent of the pediatric population (2-19 years old) has a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 85(th) percentile.Health problems associated with overweight and obesity include cardiovascular diseases, asthma and chronic lifelong diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Overweight and obese children are more likely to become obese adults.

Preventing obesity in children plays a significant role in curbing adult obesity, and pediatricians' efforts to promote healthy lifestyles to parents and children can have a positive impact across the nation.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to work with MetLife Foundation on these programs," said David T. Tayloe, Jr., MD, FAAP, president of the AAP. "We believe that physical activity, access to healthy foods, and the obesity-prevention strategies that pediatricians can teach children and parents are critical to success in the campaign against obesity."

"Pediatricians are an important source of health advice for families," said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to support this initiative, which is aimed at establishing good eating and exercise habits in children at an early age -- habits that can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of the next generation of Americans."

SOURCE MetLife