What is obesity?

Obesity is when people are overweight .It is a disease, excessive body fat.

• What are the reasons for obesity in children?

An unhealthy food choices and a lack of physical activity also, spending a lot of time on sedentary pursuits, watching TV or using computer, however some over weight parents are less concerned about having oveweight childrenin addition to the genetics facts that make some children more susceptible to obesity.

 

Is obesity only a national problem?
No, it's a worldwide problem.

What do statistics show?
Levels of childhood obesity are increasing in many countries, in Australia, one in five children and adolescents are either overweight or obese.

From 1985 to 1995 the number of overweight 7–15 year olds almost doubled. The numbers of obese children has more than tripled. At the current rate, it is predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese by 2020.

What is making the obesity problem worse?
The change in our way of living either eating more or becoming less active,  has contributed to an increase in overweight and obesity. For example: most of people eat take away food and their food portions became bigger and they use a car for transport rather than walking...

Does obesity have an impact on children's health?

yes,

• If yes, explain how?

Obesity causes many health problems for obese children such as type 2 diabeties,eating disorders, liver problems.heart problems...
Most of overweight children will remain overweight when they will become adolescents

What are the other impacts caused by obesity in children?

The obesity impact on children feeling they ususlly have low self esteem and are in risk of a range of diseases

• What is the treatment?

Go to a practising dietitian or see your doctor