The prevalence of overweight among children has at least doubled in the past 25 years. In the year 2004, 18.8% of children ages 6-11 were overweight. Being overweight as a child is clearly associated with adulthood obesity. In addition, complications once prevalent only in adults are now being seen in overweight children and adolescents. These include hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and type II diabetes which are well known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Obesity is also associated with low self-esteem among some groups of overweight adolescents.