Since the mid-seventies, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased sharply for both adults and children. Data from two NHANES surveys show that among adults aged 20–74 years the prevalence of obesity increased from 15.0% (in the 1976–1980 survey) to 32.9% (in the 2003–2004 survey).

The two surveys also show increases in overweight among children and teens. For children aged 2–5 years, the prevalence of overweight increased from 5.0% to 13.9%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 18.8%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.4%.

These increasing rates raise concern because of their implications for Americans’ health. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including: hypertension, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides, Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea and respiratory problems.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is the gold standard for national estimates of overweight and obesity. Here a survey participant has his height measured in one of three Mobile Examination Centers.

So we weren't alone at the cottage, we were there with our friends and each with their own child. Here's a photo of each child in decreasing age. No... Fisher Price did not pay for this photo. Their Healthy Care Booster Seat is ingenious - safe, light weight, easy to clean, compact. It goes everywhere with us. No wonder it's so popular.