Millennials and High Obesity Rates: How
it Affects Their Future

Obesity is becoming a growing problem nationwide – and Millennials seem to leading the pack when it comes to obesity rates.

Yet, despite the health risks and mortality rates for those who are obese, many young adults seem relatively unconcerned. Why is it that so many Millennials aren’t taking this disease seriously? And, what can you do if you are concerned about your adult child’s health? 

Obesity’s Impact on Millennials 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the obesity rate for Millennials has tripled since its rate of just 5.7% in 1976 and 1980. This is, in part, due to the changing habits of this generation, including the increase in electronics use, as well as decline in exercise. Yet, while obesity is being looked at by some as more of a result of a generation’s conditioned behavior, it is so much more than that. 

A study published online in the Journal of Business and Psychology stated that the Millennial generation’s tendency toward obesity will “negatively impact their productivity and resulting economic prosperity.” As parents, this means that the young adults we raised will not just experience increased health risks from being obese (and increased mortality rates at a younger age), but they will have trouble in the working world as well. 

But What are the Other Side Effects of Obesity?