Childhood Obesity is one of the largest spreading trends to the known researcher and is now an even greater concern for the world’s population.  Researchers feel that if this trend is not stopped in the next few years it will take a proportion where the consequences can be dreadful. According to the data available with the WHO, it is estimated that 15% to 20% of children are victims of childhood obesity and have been placed in the category as obese because of the excess fat that is present on their body. Technically a child is obese if he/she has a weight or height of more than 120%.

Research shows that most obese children turn into obese adults more frequently than children who lose weight and become slim.  Unfortunately over the years, obese children grow accustomed to their weight and size, never wanting to lose weight.    

The ultimate result for Childhood Obesity can turn into serious health conditions in the years to come.  Some of the common health hazards of childhood obesity are diabetes mellitus (Type II), pediatric hypertension, and higher stress on the joints that bear the body weight, higher risk of coronary heart disease, lower self esteem and also depression. Some researchers believe that the psychological and social effects of childhood are far more than the medical risks.

The reasons behind childhood obesity are quite many but some of the major ones are:

a) Family history of obesity- The family history of child matters a lot. It has been observed that the children of obese parents are more likely to be obese.

b) Sedentary lifestyle-More and more children are spending their time in front of the T.V. As a result there is less expenditure of energy which accumulates on the body in the form of excess fat.

c) Unhealthy eating habits: Consumption of junk foods and fried foods has become a part of the modern food habits. This is one of the major causes why there is an early onset of obesity among children.
Parents can do the following to save their children from the bane of obesity:

a) Involve the child in regular physical activities: Well, the parents can help their child by developing a regular exercise regimen for them. They can take them out to a park to play rather than enjoy a cartoon show on the T.V.

b) Managing their diets: the children should not be given any processed foods as they contain harmful oils and fats. They should give their child green vegetables and fruits as snacks rather than chips or wafers. They should emphasize on building a healthy eating habits for their child.

c) The parents should opt for behavior modifications of their children like building healthy eating habits and increased physical activity.

It is all in the hands of the parents to decide whether they want their child to live a fat free healthy life or see their kids covered in a heap of unhealthy flab. So, parents choose the above precautions before it is too late for your child.