Table of Contents Childhood Obesity Causes of Childhood Obesity Recognizing Childhood Obesity How Can I Help My Overweight Child? Developing Good Attitudes About Eating Is there Additional Help for Childhood Obesity? Keeping on Top of Your Condition

Childhood Obesity

In the United States at least one child in five is overweight and the rate of childhood obesity continues to grow. Over the last 2 decades, this number has increased by more than 50 percent, and the number of "extremely" overweight children has nearly doubled (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1995: 149: 1085-91). A doctor determines if children are overweight by measuring their height and weight. Although children have fewer weight-related health  problems than adults, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults. Overweight adults are at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure stroke, and some forms of cancer.