ABSTRACT

The global obesity epidemic is accelerating [1] and has affected virtually all ages, races, and sexes in developed and developing countries [2], [3]. The obesity increase in childhood is especially troubling as overweight/ obesity is shown to track into later adolescent and adult years [4] and is associated with numerous immediate and long-term health risks that lead to morbidity and premature mortality (e.g. asthma, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer) [1].