Childhood obesity is a big problem in the United States. I'm trying to raise awareness on the health issues associated with obesity. I will list many problems that could occur from being obese. This petition will help me to know how many people are interested in what I’m trying to do. It’s impossible to end obesity completely, so I’m trying to help reduce the numbers of obese children in the United States. My goal is to have 50 signatures by December 20th.

Some serious medical problems in childhood are:

• type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure and elevated blood cholesterol
• Liver disease
• Bone and joint problems
• Respiratory problems such as asthma
• Sleep disorders such as difficulty breathing while asleep (sleep apnea)
• Earlier than normal puberty or menstruation
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• Skin infections due to moisture from sweat being trapped in skin folds
• Fatigue

It can also result in serious psychological difficulties. Overweight or obese children:

• Are more likely to be teased or bullied
• Are more likely to bully others
• May have poor self-esteem and may feel socially isolated
• May be at increased risk for depression
• May have poorer social skills
• May have high stress and anxiety
• May have behavior and/or learning problems as a result of psychological difficulties related to childhood obesity

Most obese children don’t outgrow their weight problem and it carries into adulthood. Obesity in adulthood leads to:

• High blood pressure
• Strokes
• Certain types of cancer (endometrial, breast, and colon among others)
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• dementia

By informing the public with this information, I'm trying to tell you why you should take care of yourself. I'm trying to encourage you by informing you of the things that could happen so you will want to try everything in your power to avoid that.