,their is a rising trend of obesity for people between the ages of 2 and 19. What does this say about the country's overall health ? Youth are at a lower risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. Healthier food choices are an important factor in reducing obesity and other chronic illnesses. Youth aged 2 to 19 years are less likely to consume unhealthy foods. An increase in youth diagnosed with nutrition-driven chronic disease will not likely continue.