Childhood obesity is a global threat in recent times. If not checked in time, it can lead to serious consequences in teen ages or adulthoot. Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. Obesity in kids is now reaching alarming proportions. As these days kids spend more time in front of television, computer and video screens, their physical activity levels have decreased. Consequently, their body weights have increased.

• Obesity in kids is now epidemic in the United States .
  
• The number of children who are overweight has doubled in the last two to three decades; currently one child in five is overweight.

• Eating too much Fat-rich food.
  
• Inadequate exercise. Kids who watch the most hours of television have the highest incidence of obesity.
  
• Eating disorders.
  
• Hormonal or genetic problems: The risk of becoming obese is greatest among children who have two obese parents. This may be due to powerful genetic factors or to parental modeling of both eating and exercise behaviors, indirectly affecting the child's energy balance.
  

Complications of Childhood Obesity

• Obese children and adolescents have shown an alarming increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes.
  
• Many obese children have high cholesterol and blood pressure levels, which are risk factors for heart disease.
  
• One of the most severe problems for obese children is sleep apnea (interrupted breathing while sleeping). In some cases this can lead to problems with learning and memory.
  
• Obese children have a high incidence of orthopedic problems, liver disease, and asthma.
  
• Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
  
• Social and psychological problems like low self-esteem and depression affect relationships with peers.