Recent studies have indicated that the prevalence of obesity among children, adolescents, and young adults has increased during the past decade. Measures of obesity track very well from childhood to young adulthood, with obese children tending to become obese adults. Obesity during childhood, or an increase in obesity from childhood to young adulthood, is a strong predictor of blood lipid and blood pressure levels during young adulthood. Important correlates of obesity include diet and physical activity. Data shows increases in the consumption of lower-fat dairy products, along with decreases in the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity and an accompanying increase in such sedentary activities as television viewing and computer games.
Physical activity tends to decrease with age and is lower in females that in males.
The trend to increased obesity in the young population is worrisome. Innovative community-based education programs targeted to health lifestyles are also needed. The Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco focuses on research about tobacco addiction, smoking cessation, and public health and policy implications of tobacco use.