What is obesity?
Obesity is the over waght
What are the reasons for obesity in children?
Causes of obesity in children include unhealthy food choices, lack of physical activity and family eating habits.
Is obesity only a national problem?
No its not ,obesity is an international problem
What do statistics show?
From 1985 to 1995 the number of overweight 7–15 year olds almost doubled. The numbers of obese children has more than tripled
What is making the obesity problem worse?
The overall cost of food has gone down.
More food is prepared away from home.
Energy-dense foods and drinks are more readily available.
Portion sizes have increased.
Marketing of energy-dense foods and drinks has increased
Does obesity have an impact on children's health?
Yes
If yes, explain how?
Type 2 diabetes – while this condition is most commonly seen in adults, it is now also being diagnosed in children
Eating disorders such as bulimia or binge eating
Orthopaedic disorders – problems with foot structure
Liver problems, including fatty liver
Respiratory disorders, such as blocked airways and restrictions in the chest wall, which cause breathlessness during exercise
What are the other impacts caused by obesity in children?
Obesity can have a major impact on how children feel about themselves and how they interact with others. Obese adolescents are more likely to have low self-esteem, which may impact on other aspects of their lives such as the development of friendships and competency at school.
What is the treatment?
Lifestyle and diet changes can help children to maintain a healthy weight
