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Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that may often continue into adulthood (see appendix2). This paper studies the nature and causes of obesity in children. It will focus on the origins of obesity; how family eating patterns are a crucial factor and environmental and lifestyle; genetic inheritance; lifestyle and eating habits which all play an important part in childhood obesity. The long-term effects of obesity will be discussed and how we can prevent such illness. Firstly, it is important to gain an understanding of what obesity is. According to Wlardlow (Journal of the Hela, 2000, vol. 7) obesity is defined as a condition characterised by excess body fat. It is also defined as being 20% above the average weight. Generally consumption of foods high in sugar and fats lead to obesity. Alcohol intake can also contribute to the condition due to its high sugar content. Obesity is a serious medical disease that affects 20%-25% of children and adolescents in Australia. It is the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking (Ross Fitzgerald, Courier Mail, Nov. 2000). According to research, we all have and need fat tissue in our bodies. When there is too much body fat, the result is obesity (The World Book Multimedia Encyclopedia CD-ROM, 1996). Obesity can be measured by calculating the BMI. BMI, Body Mass Index is a mathematical calculation used to identify overweight to identify overweight and obesity in children and adolescent (refer to appendix 1).
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