• The developing brain is most vulnerable to being compromised, by alcohol, drugs, gambling, internet, and food during childhood and adolescence.

• The judgment part of the brain develops considerably later than the risk-taking and reward parts of the brain.

• Medical science now knows that a person’s brain is not fully developed until the mid-20s.

• Teen brains and adult brains show measureable differences.

• Teens use less of the prefrontal region of the brain than adults and this can lead to impulsive or risk-taking behaviors.

• Study results show that the type of diet offered to dams during pregnancy or while nursing can have long lasting effects on the body weight and behaviors exhibited by the offspring.

• Watching television, internet use, gaming systems such as Nintendo, etc. have taken the place of more physicial activities.

• The percentage of children aged 6-11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12-19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.

• Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes.

• Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are more at risk for adult health problems.

• Portions have kept growing larger and larger including serving sizes of sugar-sweetened sodas.

• Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.

• Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. School breakfast and lunch menus are being revamped to provide healthier foods.

• The federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 requires schools that want certain federal funds to serve smaller lunches with more fruits and vegetables and less protein and carbohydrates.

• The Let’s Move campaign, the My Plate, and the proposed USDA rules for all schools are all government efforts to reduce childhood obesity.

GO TO TEST on Childhood, Adolescence, Obesity, and Food Addiction.