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Obesity
is one of the most significant health problems in the
developed countries. An overweight adolescent has a 70
percent chance of becoming an obese adult, and obesity
can lead to a higher risk of life threatening health
problems like -
- High
blood pressure,
- Premature
heart attacks
- Diabetes.
- Physical
risks
- Emotional
ramifications secondary to peer ridicule and
labeling, including lower self-esteem levels.
- The
additional weight can result in reduced
endurance, leg pains from stressed joints and
often make simple activities more taxing.
Reduction in movement capabilities and exercise
activities, combined with the potential for
reduced self-esteem increases the probability of
continued weight gain --"The Vicious
Cycle of Childhood Obesity".
It is
believed that children are becoming heavier due to -
- decrease
in physical activity (modern transportation,
television, computers and video games)
- Increasing
availability of higher calorie foods such as fast
foods, higher-fat convenience foods and snacks.
Management
of Childhood Obesity
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