Obese/Overweight Children

Childhood obesity is causing problems in the household. Parents blame themselves and don’t know what they could have done differently. Purchasing clothing is somewhat of a challenge especially for girls; some are have to get the specially made. The study highlights the fact that in most social situations there is an overwhelming impact on the obese child, on parents, and on the family. This makes for big problems in the home. Persistent obesity is said to be linked with lower educational success and poorer job opportunities. The researcher has concluded that professionals need to see the child and family in a broader perspective to better understand the complexities of raising an obese child.

Over the past decade child obesity has increased dramatically on a global scale. Obesity in young people is linked with complications involving the body's systems. The evidence base for the longer-term consequences of obesity in adolescents is smaller but undeniable. Overweight, or obese boys, have been shown in several studies to have higher mortality rates. Obesity also causes adverse psychosocial problems, such as bullying, discrimination and, in older children and adolescents, low self esteem. It has been shown that overweight or obese girls of 18 years of age have lowered educational and employment opportunities, lower incomes and are more likely to be unmarried as adults.