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Challenges that children with obesity face 

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Challenges that children with obesity face 

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1. Physical Health Conditions

Children with obesity are at elevated risk for serious medical conditions typically seen in adults, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease.

These health problems can impede daily life and long-term well being.

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Challenges that children with obesity face 

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Challenges that children with obesity face 

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2. Disordered Eating Behaviors

Children with obesity have a higher risk of developing disordered eating behaviors.

The common disorders include binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.

The triggers often include weight stigma, body dissatisfaction and depression.

These disorders can worsen obesity and lead to additional physical health conditions.

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1. Healthy Eating

Families can model healthy eating patterns by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. (Preventing Childhood Obesity: 6 Things Families Can Do, 2024)

2. Increased Physical Activity

Encourage family activities that promote movement, such as walking, biking, or playing sports. Limit screen time and prioritize activities that foster active lifestyles. (World Health Organization: WHO, 2025)

3. Consistent Sleep Routine

Establishing regular sleep patterns can positively impact weight management and overall health. (Khattab, 2024b)

4. Support groups and counseling

Provide access to weight management programs and support groups. (Barquera & Seidell, 2017)

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Article:Childhood Obesity - Ballard Brief (https://share.google/EgEnhMRAQuVyFfdOx)  

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Article:Childhood Obesity - Ballard Brief (https://share.google/EgEnhMRAQuVyFfdOx)  

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The number of obese children has tripled since the 1970s, with 1 in 5 US children now obese.

This alarming rise is linked to several factors, primarily lifestyle choices.

The expense of nutritious food and physical activity, is a major contributor.

Reduced physical education in schools exacerbates this issue.

Genetics also play a role, influencing a child's susceptibility to obesity.

Childhood obesity extend far into adulthood, impacting physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and potentially leading to social isolation.

Effective interventions such as family-centered approaches emphasizing parental involvement in diet and exercise being considered best practice.

Organizations offer programs and resources, more research, assessment, and evaluation of existing interventions are needed.

The brief highlights potential contributing factors, including the rise of processed foods, increased fast food consumption, and the reduction in home-cooked meals.

The brief explores how factors like income and race correlate with higher obesity rates

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Childhood Obesity in the U.S.

Prevalence:

2017–2020 data (CDC) shows 19.7% of U.S. children and adolescents (ages 2–19) are obese → about 14.7 million children.

Age groups most affected:

Adolescents aged 12–19 years: 22.2%

Children aged 2–5 years: 12.7% (least affected)

Population groups:

Hispanic children: ~30% (highest)

Non-Hispanic Asian children: ~10% (lowest)

Risk factors:

Children in poverty

Living in under-resourced communities

Experiencing discrimination or stigma

Some children seek comfort from food, leading to obesity

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Background study on childhood obesity in the US

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Background study on childhood obesity in the US

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As of 2024, approximately 1 in 5 children under the age of 18 suffer from obesity in the US

Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children have disproportionately higher obesity rates

Children in rural areas often show higher obesity prevalence than their urban peers

Childhood obesity is associated with serious health issues including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, hypertension, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression

Extremely Severe Obesity (ESO) is especially concerning, with high odds ratios for prediabetes/diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Estimated annual medical costs for children with obesity is nearly $1 billion USD

COVID-19 pandemic increased weight gain trends in children and adolescents, doubling BMI rates and reversing previously slower growth patterns

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12 year olds struggling with weight issues

Amanda, who weighs around 90kg, deals with an eating disorder and feels isolated due to her weight. She is bullied at school and has developed depression.

Jaylin from Shreveport, Louisiana who weighs 120kg, constantly gains weight due to her mother's reliance on junk food and has a genetic predisposition to obesity. She also suffers from binge eating.

Xander, from Phoenix, Arizona, dreams of being an NFL player but is overweight and has never made his school football team. He was also bullied and felt ashamed about his weight.