OverviewChildhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It's particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once considered adult problems — diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression. Show
One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the eating and exercise habits of your entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect your child's health now and in the future. SymptomsNot all children carrying extra pounds are overweight. Some children have larger than average body frames. And children normally carry different amounts of body fat at the various stages of development. So you might not know by how your child looks if weight is a health concern. The body mass index (BMI), which provides a guideline of weight in relation to height, is the accepted measure of overweight and obesity. Your child's doctor can use growth charts, the BMI and, if necessary, other tests to help you figure out if your child's weight could pose health problems. When to see a doctorIf you're worried that your child is putting on too much weight, talk to his or her doctor. The doctor will consider your child's history of growth and development, your family's weight-for-height history, and where your child lands on the growth charts. This can help determine if your child's weight is in an unhealthy range. CausesLifestyle issues — too little activity and too many calories from food and drinks — are the main contributors to childhood obesity. But genetic and hormonal factors might play a role as well. Risk factorsMany factors — usually working in combination — increase your child's risk of becoming overweight:
ComplicationsChildhood obesity often causes complications in a child's physical, social and emotional well-being. Physical complicationsPhysical complications of childhood obesity may include:
Social and emotional complicationsChildren who have obesity may experience teasing or bullying by their peers. This can result in a loss of self-esteem and an increased risk of depression and anxiety. PreventionTo help prevent excess weight gain in your child, you can:
Also, be sure your child sees the doctor for well-child checkups at least once a year. During this visit, the doctor measures your child's height and weight and calculates his or her BMI. A significant increase in your child's BMI percentile rank over one year may be a possible sign that your child is at risk of becoming overweight. Dec. 05, 2020 What are the psychological factors in obesity?PSYCHOSOCIAL FUNCTIONING OF PERSONS WITH OBESITY. Depression. Previous research suggests a relationship between excess body weight and depression. ... . Eating Disorders. ... . Anxiety. ... . Substance Abuse. ... . Mental Health Treatment. ... . Self-Esteem. ... . Quality of Life and Body Image. ... . Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, and Emotional Neglect.. What are the physiological impacts of obesity?Excess weight, especially obesity, diminishes almost every aspect of health, from reproductive and respiratory function to memory and mood. Obesity increases the risk of several debilitating, and deadly diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
What are 3 social factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic in America?Obesity prevalence is significantly associated with sex, racial ethnic identity, and socioeconomic status, which creates complex relationships between each of these characteristics.
What factors influence obesity in the US?Poor diet, low levels of physical activity, and high levels of sedentary activities are risk factors for obesity.
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