Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects children and adolescents. Childhood obesity occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. The methods to determine body fat directly are difficult; the diagnosis of obesity is often based on BMI (Body mass index).
The normal range for BMI in children varies with sex and age. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BMI above the 85% is defined as overweight, a BMI greater than or equal to the 95% is defined as obesity.
Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well-being.
Immediate health effects: Obese children are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.
Long-term health effects: Children and adolescents who are obese are at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.
Childhood obesity can be caused by increase in junk food and portion size of meals, increase in use of technology, and the decrease in the physical activity of children. A study found kids that use electronic devices 3 or more hours a day had increased risk of being overweight.
Surgery has been performed on adolescents in extreme cases to treat obesity, it is only considered for those with severe medical conditions that can be improved by surgery.
Treating obesity in children differs from treatment in adults. Some of the prevention strategies to reduce childhood obesity are to improve the diet and exercise habits of your entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect the health of your child now and in the future.