Childhood Obesity (Part 1)

CHILDHOOD OBESITY- NEW EPIDEMIC?

Obesity means having too much body fat. It is not the same as being overweight, which means a child's weight is in  the upper range of children of the same age and height. Being overweight may be due to extra muscle, bone or water, as well as too much fat.

Both terms mean that a child's weight is higher that what is thought to be healthy.

Childhood obesity is becoming a dominant problem within urban countries. The prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2010 the number of overweight children under five was estimated to be over 42 million. Close to 35 million of those living in developing countries.

Obesity in children increases the risk of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity-related diseases are preventable. 

Prevention should therefore be high priority.

Stay tuned for part 2 of Childhood Obesity.