Obesity

What is obesity?
Obesity is overweight which is an excessive body fat.

What are the reasons for obesity in children?

1. unhealthy food choices,
2.  lack of physical activity
3. unhealthy family eating habits normally form fat parents,
4. Genetics from overweight parents

Is obesity only a national problem?
No. it is a worldwide problem.

What do statistics show?

1. Statistics show that overweight number doubled for 7-15 years olds from 1985 to 1995.
2. Numbers of obese children tripled at this period.
3. It is estimated 65% of young Australians will be obese by 2020

What is making the obesity problem worse?
Changing society is making the obesity problem worse. That is eatting more, activting less, more eating outside, having more energy-dense foods and drinks, more income to buy foods, less house work and less physical education in school,

Does obesity have an impact on children's health?
Yes

If yes, explain how?

Potential health problems in adulthood will be found in obese children. These include: Type 2 diabetes,Eating disorders, Orthopaedic disorders, Liver problems, cluding fatty liver, Respiratory disorders, Sleep apnoea and Cardiomyopathy.

What are the other impacts caused by obesity in children?

1.  About 80% obese children will become obese adults.
2. Obese children have low self-esteem so other children may not aspect them. It is difficult to make friends and competency at school.
3. It will increase the risk of a range of diseases and disorders in adulthood.

What is the treatment?

Changing to healthy lifestyle and dietary patterns
See your doctor