Challenge to obesity in children

Excessive weight has severe health effects and enhances the risk of a multitude of chronic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus type 2, arterial hypertension, as well as cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases. It can also become a burden on the psyche. Overweight children are more likely to be victims of bullying, or suffer from depression, self-esteem disorders and social isolation. Furthermore, the risk of obesity in adulthood and the diseases associated with it are greatly increased. For several years, because of its overall societal relevance, the WHO has dedicated itself to the fight against childhood obesity. Preventative measures are cost-effective and have a good response in children and adolescents and, therefore, can effectively prevent future diseases.

The causes are widely known and, next to genetic predispositions, especially include lifestyle factors, such as malnutrition, overeating, lack of exercise, as well as social environment and the role model function of parents. The latest research results indicate that, before and during pregnancy, the nutritional status and eating habits of parents have an influence on a child's risk of obesity later in life. On that account, prevention should already begin with future parents or those with a desire to have children. A key factor is to maintain a healthy diet and the promotion of healthy eating habits by parents and educational institutions. The consumption of high energy, fat, and sugar-containing products should be eliminated, while the proportion of fruits and vegetables in the daily diet should be increased. Daily physical activity should also become a part of everyday life.