Childhood obesity is still a huge problem in America.

University Herald has reported that childhood obesity rates in the United States have increased over the past 14 years.

Researchers found that all classes of obesity have increased since 1999. An upward trend in the more severe forms of obesity has been detected as well.

Asheley Cockrell Skinner, lead author of the study and assistant professor of pediatrics in the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine, said in a statement, "Extreme obesity is more clearly associated with heart disease and diabetes risk in children and adolescents, and is more difficult to treat."

For the study, Cockrell and colleagues analyzed data collected from more than 26,000 children between the ages of 2 and 19 from 1999 to 2012.

Reuters reports that Skinner's findings are in contrast with a recent analysis by the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that found a sharp drop in preschool obesity rates over the past decade.

Skinner stated, "The earlier study examined only the last decade, while we make use of all available years - from 1999 to 2012. In 2003, there was an unusual uptick in obesity among young children, which led to the appearance of a significant decline."

Cockrell continued, "However, when we look at the bigger picture, that change is not there."

The main point of the recent study is that childhood obesity rates have not improved in America.

HNGN reports that youth obesity can cost up to $19,000 per child annually when compared with those of a healthy weight. A study was done measuring direct medical costs associated with obesity, doctors' visits and medication.

It is important to keep obesity at bay from childhood. Study coauthor Rahul Malhotra said in a news release, "Addressing obesity in adults requires efforts to prevent or reduce obesity among children, as research has shown most obese children and teenagers remain obese into adulthood."

Lead author of the study, Eric Andrew Finkelstein stated, "For the same reasons we don't let kids drink or smoke and force them to go to school, we should also do our best to keep them at a healthy weight."

He concluded, "While the cost estimates are significant, the motivation to prevent childhood obesity should be there regardless of the financial implications."

More awareness should be brought towards childhood obesity rates in America.