Obesity in childhood: Causes and consequences

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in both developed and developing countries. Childhood overweight and obesity (OW/OB) has a significant impact on both physical and psychological health. Overweight and obese children are likely to remain obese into adulthood and more likely to develop non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease at an earlier age. The mechanism by which obesity develops is not fully understood and is believed to be a disorder with multiple causes. Environmental factors, lifestyle preferences and cultural milieu play a key role in the increasing prevalence of obesity worldwide. In general, overweight and obesity are assumed to be the results of increased calorie and fat intake. On the other hand, there is evidence that excessive sugar intake from soft drinks, increased portion size and a steady decline in physical activity have played a major role in rising obesity rates around the world. Childhood obesity can greatly affect children's physical health, social and emotional well-being, and self-esteem. It is also associated with poor academic performance and a lower quality of life experienced by children. Many co-morbid conditions such as metabolic, cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurological, hepatic, pulmonary and renal disorders are also seen in association with childhood obesity.