A recent report shows that children and teens have been taking increasingly more medication over the years in order to treat different conditions that range from obesity, heart problems or diabetes.

The study focuses on youths with ages between 5 and 19 who have commercial health insurance. The study’s results show that girls have been taking more hypertension medication, even though boys are more exposed to this kind of condition. The study also shows that kids have almost doubled the use off type 2 diabetes medication, between 2002 and 2005, the change being more obvious in girls who have experienced a 165% increase. Also medication for obesity and asthma have gone through the roof, this only showing that diseased mainly caused by an unhealthy lifestyle are an epidemic.

The scientists conducting the study declared that the results are very important for children health care and that, overall, the results point out to some serious implications. On the other hand, not everything is bad news as an increase in the use of medication also shows better diagnosis, which can only mean a good thing. If the diseases are diagnosed in their early stages, there are more chances that the treatment will work better and fulfill its purpose.

Doctors recommended families to improve their diets and lifestyle by eating a lot of fruit, exercising regularly, giving up food rich in fat and salt, sodas and, of course, fast food products. Doctors are aware that more and more children suffer from high cholesterol and that obesity has indeed become an epidemic.