Health Implications of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has immediate and long-term health risks, There is an increased risk of disease and emotional stress associated with obesity during the growing years, but there are greater risks if obesity continues into adolescence and adulthood. There are insufficient data to quantify the association of childhood and adult obesity. Although obese adults are more likely to have been heavy as children, most overweight children are of normal weight as adults. Childhood obesity is frequently associated with an accelerated growth pattern characterized by increased lean body mass, greater stature, and more rapid maturation.