Childhood and Adolescent Obesity: Strategies for Building a Healthier Future
Childhood and adolescent obesity has rapidly emerged as a critical public health challenge, with rising rates being reported across the globe. In the past few decades, the number of children classified as overweight or obese has soared, with the World Health Organization estimating that in 2020, over 39 million children under the age of five were overweight or obese. The implications of this trend extend far beyond the teenage years, as obesity in childhood often leads to health complications in adulthood. This article will explore the causes of childhood and adolescent obesity, the associated health risks, and strategies to support healthy futures for young people. What is Childhood and Adolescent Obesity? Obesity in children and adolescents is defined using the Body Mass Index (BMI), adjusted for age and gender. A child is considered overweight if their BMI is at or above the 85th percentile for their age and gender, while they are classified as obese if their BMI is at or above the...