HANNIBAL (WGEM) - Childhood obesity is impacting millions of children across the U.S.

The CDC reports one in five children and adolescents in the U.S. have obesity. That’s around 14.7 million youths.

Kristin Bradshaw, family nurse practitioner at Blessing Health Hannibal, said over the past 20 years the number of children dealing with obesity has doubled.

A variety of factors have contributed to this increase, which she said includes genetics, certain foods and lifestyle choices. If obesity isn’t treated, she said children will likely deal with other health issues later in life including Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver and cancer.

However, she said help is available.

“Definitely want to encourage patients and people who struggle with obesity to not be afraid to look for help and that the

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