WASHINGTON—The government is warning American youths to get up off the couch and exercise—or else.

The “or-else” could be translated into an unhappy and unhealthy adulthood if young people don’t stop eating high-calorie junk food and staying glued to their computers playing video games.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued two reports that graphically tell the story with frightening statistics.

Not only are American high school boys and girls not getting enough—or any—exercise, the reports state, but they are also guzzling many high-calorie and high-sugar content sodas.

“It is the twin evils for high school students,” declares Lona Sandon, a registered nurse and assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Dallas. “Unfortunately, the CDC reports were not surprising because young people have been getting more obese each year because of bad habits.”

She points out one of the biggest factors in out-of-shape youngsters.

“The big problem is many high schools do not mandate exercise or physical activity classes,” she noted. “The kids who play sports are in shape and that ought to tell the school officials and the parents something. Not every boy or girl can play sports, so there must be a physical alternative for them.”

The CDC reports recommend high school students of both sexes should hav...Read More