Growing waistlines, larger meal portions and inadequate exercise are placing some Americans at unhealthier levels than their parents, leaving many physicians worrying about health and growth development of the next generation.Reversing the nation's growing obesity epidemic is the most important issue facing people in generations X and Y, said Doug Cavarocchi with the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

"If you look at a child today and compare them to their parents 20, 30 years ago, statistics show he or she is going to be much heavier," Cavarocchi said. "Our current generation could become the first in American history to live shorter than their parents."

One out of three children and youth from ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese, according to a February study conducted by the alliance.Physicians describe obesity as a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it might have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy.

Family physician G. Kenneth Marshall has practiced in Longview for 32 years. He said obesity can lead to other problems in children and adults."Being obese means that these people face a greater chance of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease," Marshall said. "There are more cases of diabetes in children now more than ever because of obesity."

Marshall said it's not uncommon for all age groups to gain weight over time; however, the rate at which the younger generation is gaining weight is alarming.

"Much of the problem lies in the fact that more children are playing video games, surfing the Internet and watching television," Marshall said. "They have become couch potatoes, and it's really taking a toll on their health."

Gregg County Health Authority Lewis Browne added that some of the patients he sees are contracting diabetes and having strokes at a younger age. In some cases, he said, young adults are developing arthritis in their joints because of inactivity.

"Arthritis rates are going up, and much of that increase can be attributed to the younger generation developing this disorder," Browne said. "That's sad; we were built to be walkers. While we might not be gazelles, the human body must burn fat and calories in order for our bodies to be mobile. That's not the case with some of us."

Reversing the trend

While the task might seem daunting to some health professionals, Marshall said the trend can be reversed.

"This is a lifestyle change," he said. "If people get out and start exercising more, they can definitely change this trend."

Marshall said it might require more local, state and federal oversight to change recess and physical education activities to make younger children more active.

"When I was going to school, we were required to participate in recess activities like 23 Skidoo and Pig in the Pen," Marshall said. "That's not the case at many public schools. Many kids are standing around in circles or sitting down and not playing because there is no structure to recess anymore."

In some cases, local municipalities could do more to encourage healthy lifestyles, Marshall added.

"Longview is so spread out, and there are not many places where you can walk or ride a bicycle," Marshall said. "Local cities must do more to encourage ordinances that encourage the construction of sidewalks in new residential and commercial developments."

Browne said families must do a better job at dieting by cutting back on fast-food intake.

"When I was a kid we had fast-food restaurants, but we never ate there every day like some kids are doing today," Browne said. "If families take the time to limit fast-food intake and pushed their kids outside to play, I don't think we would see this health gap between generations."