Childhood Obesity

Definition

Childhood obesity is a medical condition where a child is significantly overweight for their age and height. It can lead to various health problems.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Childhood obesity is characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a risk to a child's health. It is typically measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile, which compares a child's BMI with others of the same age and sex. A child is considered obese if their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile.

Benefits

Examples

Additional Information

• Known issues: Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. It can also lead to psychological effects like low self-esteem and depression.

Related Terms

• Body Mass Index
• Nutrition
• Physical Activity
• Diet
• Adolescent Health

References

• Childhood Obesity Facts
• Obesity in Children