Some Aspects of Obesity in Children

Abstract

There is no general agreement on a satisfactory standard for growth; however, subcutaneous thicknesses seem to give the most reliable basis for diagnosing obesity in children.

Obesity which develops before the age of 10 or after the age of 16 has a poor prognosis for future weight reduction; obesity developing just before puberty may be transient and self-correcting.

Studies have indicated that inactivity is a possible primary cause of obesity in children and adolescents.

Obesity exposes children to difficult situations and damaging pressures which may have psychologic effects.