Maryland schools work to improve kids’ health as obesity hits poor the hardest

Obesity remains a major concern in America, according to the University of Minnesota, which found that 20 percent of adolescents and children were obese in the United States. Adults with severe obesity rose from 5.7 percent in 2007 – 2008 to 7.7 percent between 2015 and 2016.

Obesity rates also rose from 33.7 percent to 40 percent among American adults during this span. Chronic disease, associated with obesity, is on the rise, including diabetes, some forms of cancer and heart disease.