There has been a lot of public interest and research into health complications attributed to adult obesity in recent times. Nevertheless, the same amount of attention should also be given on issues regarding childhood and adolescent obesity.
There is a common perception that obesity in children is merely a cosmetic problem, with very little or no medical effects. This is a huge misconception largely based on lack of information and guidelines on childhood obesity.
Early assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity is critically important in order to introduce some preventive measures. Medical approach for obesity in children and in adults are treated differently. This is mainly because children and adolescents are still in the growing stage and a lot of factors should be considered. Aggressive weight management programs are simply not advisable since it is important not to compromise the child's normal development and growth. Intensive deiting may very well prove to be quite disastrous.
Clinical nutrition assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity generally revolves around the energy balance minus energy intake minus energy output. Unlike adults where energy balance is zero, children require a continuing positive supply and balance of energy to sustain normal growth. Subjective assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity have proven to be inadequate. This would only result to the possibility of mislabelling non-obese children as obese and vice versa.
It is also highly critical to perform an accurate assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity to decrease the cardiovascular risks in their early stage. Other health complications such as hyperlipidaemia, high blood pressure, hyperinsulinaemia, and prevalence of Type II Diabetes can prove to be deadly when left untreated. There is also a higher probability that childhood obesity can persist into adulthood that can also affect the child emotionally and socially. Obese children will predictably have very low self-esteem and have the tendency to isolate themselves from other people. Aside from that, obese people are often subjected to discrimation in our society.
This is the harsh reality that obese people have to live with every single day. This could trigger a person to undergo a deep depression and result to ill-health both physically and emotionally.
The growing number of obese people have made this a societal issue, and not merely the burden of the afflicted individual. We are all expected to contribute in hopefully minimizing the incidents of obesity both among children and adults. Early assessment and diagnosis of childhood obesity is still the major key in trimming down the figures. Employing some preventive measures is undoubtedly a more effective treatment.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Fitness Articles
Healthy Regular Exercise
By: prabakar | 19/07/2008
Healthy eating and regular exercise lead to an improved quality of life for adults and kids. The program is in a or individual setting. Lie down on your back on a mat placed on the floor. Place your hands behind your head to support your neck. Roll your shoulders blades up off the floor as far as you can.
Great Attractions of Exercises
By: prabakar | 18/07/2008
One of the great attractions of exercises is that they require little equipment and so are much easier to work out than other areas of the body, such as the legs, back, or chest. Pilates is a low intensity workout that involved light aerobic exercise and stretching, and has become a favorite exercise of women.
I Don't Want Thunder Thighs, or a Big Butt...
By: Troy Anderson | 18/07/2008
Insider Secrets to Getting Lean and Sexy Legs and Butt
I Promise it Won't Make You Fat
By: Troy Anderson | 17/07/2008
Women's Fitness Article Uncovering the Fitness Myth of Protein
Addiction: a Holistic Approach to Recovery
By: Patti Desert | 17/07/2008
Holistic Therapy uniquely teaches clients how to safely experience depression, anxiety, and other painful states while learning ways to manage the negative thoughts and destructive behavior that sabotage recovery from addiction.
How to Get Rid Off Those Facial Parentheses (nasolabial Folds)
By: Dr Barry Eppley | 17/07/2008
One of the most common signs of facial aging is the development of the nasolabial folds. Many people find these deepening facial lines disconcerting and frequently seek treatment. Nasolabial fold prominence can be minimized by injectable fillers, implants, or even actual surgical excision. By far, injectable fillers are most commonly used and the particulated fillers seem to be the best choice for this facial area.
Decrease Chance of Dark Spots
By: John Nolan | 17/07/2008
Dark skin, Blemish, dark spots are the top of women's skin problem because if they begin appear on you face, they will make feel nervous. There're many cause of dark spots such as genetic, cosmetic, women's hormone who be in Pregnancy or nearly go to the elderly and the another one main cause is sunlight.
Simple Steps to Detox Your Body
By: John Khu | 16/07/2008
Real detoxification can take time, and as long as you are moving towards your goal, you have nothing to worry about. You don't have to plunge right in and live a whole new life; slow gradual change is the best way to really make progress.
More from Karin Manning
The Ins And Outs Of Chair Yoga Certification
By: Karin Manning | 03/06/2008 | Health
Chair yoga has increasingly become popular among people who can't really practice the complicated body postures of traditional yoga. These people include those with physical disabilities and senior citizens, who have become interested in doing yoga but want it the milder way. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of chair yoga certification.
Erectile Dysfunction And Getting Pregnant - Increase Your Chances
By: Karin Manning | 02/06/2008 | Health
Erectile dysfunction is a major reason why women can't fall pregnant. However, all hope is not lost. Learn how to increase your chances of getting pregnant, even if you do suffer from erectile dysfunction of some kind.
The General Principles Of Ashtanga Yoga
By: Karin Manning | 02/06/2008 | Health
Another style of a primordial religious practice from India, ashtanga yoga was taught by a certain Pattabhi Jois who was a former student of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, a teacher known to lived more than a hundred years old. This article will discuss the general principles of ashtanga yoga.
The Controversy That Is Christian Yoga
By: Karin Manning | 02/06/2008 | Health
What is Christian Yoga? It is a fact that Yoga itself originates and is based from Hinduism, and many people see conflict in using yoga the Christian way as Hinduism is deemed un-extractable from yoga.
Your Must Know Guide To Erectile Dysfunction
By: Karin Manning | 02/06/2008 | Health
Don't believe everything you read about erectile dysfunction. Get the lowdown on ED right here.
The Golden Rules Of Bikram Yoga
By: Karin Manning | 02/06/2008 | Health
Developed by an undisputed All- India National Yoga Champion, Bikram Choudhury, bikram yoga is performed right inside a room that is heated to a temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius. Keep reading to learn the golden rules of bikram yoga.
Everything You Need To Know About Chair Yoga
By: Karin Manning | 01/06/2008 | Health
There are a lot of forms of yoga, and although Chair Yoga is not formally recognized as a yoga type, it is generally used to identify a milder yoga form which is performed through being seated in a chair or the use of a chair as support while standing. This article will explain everything you need to know about chair yoga.
The Truth About Erectile Dysfunction Psychological Causes
By: Karin Manning | 31/05/2008 | Health
Erectile dysfunction (ED), which is also called impotence, is characterized by man's total inability to have erection which is hard enough to have sex or to maintain an erection long enough to complete intercourse. Learn the erectile dysfunction psychological causes that could really be holding you back.
Sports and Fitness 
