Childhood obesity is a major public health concern that affects 25% of preschool children globally. It is measured using body mass index (BMI), which compares height and weight, with overweight defined as a BMI of 25-29.9 and obesity as a BMI of 30 or greater. Obese children often experience medical issues like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. They also face socio-emotional consequences like poor self-esteem, fewer friends, and higher rates of behavioral problems and school absenteeism. Addressing obesity requires efforts from parents, healthcare experts, and the community to support children's wellbeing and development.

1. Childhood Obesity
Institution

2. Introduction
Overweight and obesity occurs when a child’s
height and weight is in excess of the normal
and healthy weight and height.
25% of preschool children are over weight.
Ticha et al (2018)
Childhood obesity has increased globally
because of lifestyle, practices and environment.
Childhood obesity is a main public matter in the
21st century.

3. How we measure
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI Categories:
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
It is the most widely accepted method for screening.

4. Type 2 diabetes, steatosis, sleep apnea,
menstrual abnormalities, cholelithiasis
Cardiovascular disease, orthopedic problems
and impaired balance Sahoo et al (2015)
25% - 40% of obese children have metabolic
syndrome.
That cause high blood pressure, abnormal lipids,
glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Medical consequences
Poor health, quality of life and higher rates of
comorbid conditions (Carey et al., 2015)

5. The discrimination of obese children starts at a
younger of even 2 years old (Budd et al., 2008).
Low self-esteem and self-confidence further
affects their social life.
The obese children also have fewer friends
compared to normal weight children
Niehoff (2009).
Discrimination, social marginalization and
negative stereotypes
(American Academy of Pediatrics)
Socio-emotional
consequences
Negative body image so children tend to retreat
to safe places.

6. Sadness, low self-esteem and acting withdrawn.
Disobedience, fighting and arguing (Datar et al., 2004)
Detentions and suspensions due to discipline at school affect their
performance negatively.
obese children are more absent from school than
non-obese children.
Behavioral problems

7. Summary
Obesity is a public health concern that needs
the attention of parents and health care
experts.
Physical and psychological effects negatively
impact a child’s wellbeing.
Medical, socio-economic and academic
consequences affects a child’s life.
Socio-economic consequences also affect the
child

8. References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d) About childhood obesity : http://www.aap.org/obesity/about.html .
Bethell, C., Simpson, L., Stumbo, S., Carle, A. C., & Gombojav, N. (2010). National, state, and local disparities in childhood
obesity. Health Affairs, 29(3), 347-356.
Birch, L. L., & Ventura, A. K. (2009). Preventing childhood obesity: what works?. International journal of obesity, 33(1), S74-
S81.
Budd, G. M., & Hayman, L. L. (2008). Addressing the childhood obesity crisis: a call to action. MCN: The American Journal of
Maternal/Child Nursing, 33(2), 111-118.
Carey, F. R., Singh, G. K., Brown, H. S., 3rd, & Wilkinson, A. V. (2015). Educational outcomes associated with childhood
obesity in the United States: cross-sectional results from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health. The
international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, 12 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S3. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-
5868-12-S1-S3
Datar, A., & Sturm, R. (2004). Childhood overweight and parent-and teacher-reported behavior problems: evidence from a
prospective study of kindergartners. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 158(8), 804-810.
Halfon, N., Larson, K., & Slusser, W. (2013). Associations between obesity and comorbid mental health, developmental, and
physical health conditions in a nationally representative sample of US children aged 10 to 17. Academic pediatrics, 13(1), 6-
13.
Health risks of overweight children. (n.d.). ucsfbenioffchildrens.org.
https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/education/health-risks-of-overweight-children