Nutrition and Obesity

What is Obesity?
Generally, a child is not considered obese until their weight is at least 10% higher than recommended for their height and body type.

What causes obesity?
The causes of obesity are complex and include genetic, biological, behavioral and cultural factors. Basically, obesity occurs when a child eats more calories than the body burns up. Although some medical conditions can cause obesity, less than 1% of all obesity is caused by medical conditions.

Other causes of obesity include poor eating habits, overeating or binging, lack of exercise, family history, medical illnesses, medication, stressful life events or changes, family or peer problems, low self esteem, and depression or other emotional problems.

How are the risks associated with obesity?
In our Center, we are concerned about certain physical consequences such as high blood pressure which can lead to stroke, breathing problems associated with sleep apnea and trouble sleeping, and diabetes and the increased risk of heart disease.

How can obesity be managed?
Making healthy eating and exercise a regular activity can improve the chances of successful weight control in children and adolescents. Individuals who wish to manage obesity should start a weight management program, change their eating habits, control their portions of food, increase physical activity, limit snacking, attend a weight management support group.

Weight control may also be influenced by educating schools about proper food items.

For further information, visit these websites:
The American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at www.aacap.org