Childhood obesity is on the rise across the country, and it's an issue some Bronx moms are all too familiar with.
According to a new report published in JAMA Pediatrics, severe childhood obesity rates have more than doubled since 1999. Severe obesity is defined in children with a body mass index measuring 120 to 140 percent higher than what's considered a healthy weight for their age.
Bethzaida Rivera says her young daughter has struggled with her weight since birth. She's had to take measures to reduce her weight, including adapting new eating habits.
Doctors say that obese children are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic illnesses as adults, including diabetes, high blood pressure and even cancer.