IStock Photo 4267491 © Stuart Monk

With major government campaigns calling attention to childhood obesity and celebrities like rapper 50 Cent promoting healthy eating in schools, can it really be possible that America’s kids are still getting fatter? The numbers say yes.

A 2008 study found the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 more than doubled over the past 25 years, from 6.5% in 1980 to 17% in 2006. Among teens aged 12 to 19, it more than tripled. Currently, childhood obesity affects 1 in 7.69 high school students, with an additional 1 in 6.33 high school students considered overweight.

Nobody wants to be the fat kid in school. The taunts can be endless, and the physical limitations overwhelming. Aside from the obvious impact on things like self-esteem and confidence, childhood obesity also takes a serious toll on health. Obese youth are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (like high cholesterol or high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. They are also more likely to be overweight or obese as adults, putting them at further risk of long-term health problems such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, and arthritis.

According to the CDC, there’s a simple reason for the rising epidemic: “an excess of caloric intake compared with caloric expenditure.” Put in plain language: too much eating and not enough exercise. One calorie culprit is the ever-present school vending machine. While federal regulations keep foods of “minimal nutritional value” (like candy and soda) out of cafeterias during meal time, few restrictions limit what snacks can be offered elsewhere on school property. Vending machines can even be stationed right outside the cafeteria doors, offering students easy access to sugary drinks, potato chips, and other unhealthy favorites.

Adding to the problem are video games and Internet surfing, which often take the place of physical activity after school. The odds a male high school student will meet the CDC recommended level of physical activity in a week are less than 50% at 1 in 2.29; only 1 in 3.91 high school girls will achieve the same end.

Fortunately, some schools and local governments are taking action to encourage healthy eating and weight loss among students. In 2003, the state of Arkansas passed a law banning the sale of food and soda in vending machines on elementary school property. And high school students across South Los Angeles and Baldwin Park, California launched We’re Fed Up, a social networking website designed to help teens share information about nutrition, exercise, and childhood obesity.