 Obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents, with an estimated 18% of people aged 10 through 17 in Alabama being obese. This is state health officer Dr. Don Williamson. Obese children and adolescents are at risk for health problems both during their youth and as adults. They're more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Parental involvement is the key to getting this epidemic under control, and a few simple changes can have a big impact.