Obesity in children

A child is considered obese when he or she has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (Victoria Government, 2009). Studies indicate some factors of the cause for obesity in children including less physical activity, overeating, and genetic factors.

Today obesity has developed as world wide healths' problem in many countries. In fact, between 1985 and 1995 the number of overweight 7–15 year old almost doubled. The numbers of obese children has more than tripled. At the current rate, it is predicted that 65 per cent of young Australians will be overweight or obese by 2020.

Obesity affects child's health, because it leads to a range of metabolic changes which the heart has to work harder . Meanwhile, the rise of cholesterol increases the risk of health problems such as high blood pressure and insulin resistance. The next effect of childhood obesity is less productivity which children tend to have more school day off and do not really well at school. The other effect is children will not happy and disappointed with themselves which might develop condition such as depression or bullying.

In relation to childhood obesity, children need to motivated and encouraged by doing daily exercise and healthy eating habits. As a result, parents as role model and food provider have responsibility as well to help their children stay a healthy weight.