Obesity matters. Excess fat is not merely unfashionable, it’s dangerous. In the young it can cause poor self esteem and be socially isolating. In adulthood it can often lead to serious illness and premature death.

Unfortunately, between 10 and 15% of our children are obese. And obesity in childhood often leads to obesity in adulthood.

Most parents want the best for their children - including the chance to lead a long and healthy life. For obese children this goal is seriously threatened.

Obesity in a child leads to joint problems. It can also cause difficulty in breathing while asleep - sleep apnea. Even more importantly, extra weight is extraordinarily difficult to take off – whether you’re a child or an adult! And obese teenagers almost always become obese adults. This is very bad news.

Obesity in adulthood leads to high blood pressure and strokes. And it predisposes one to:

Obesity induced illness significantly shortens lifespan. For example, obesity at age 40 cuts 7 years from your life.

Is my child at risk for becoming an obese adult?

Obesity tends to persist throughout childhood and into adolescence. But obese children under the age of 8 have a good chance of outgrowing a weight problem - especially if the parents are normal weight. Unfortunately, unless significant lifestyle changes are made, obese adolescents almost always become obese adults.

The risk for an individual child depends on:

Visit The Childhood Obesity Foundation