Consequences and Prevention of Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Globally, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has shown a remarkable rise in last couple of decades, both among the children and adult sections of society. Initially thought to be a disease of the high-income nations, this disease is now showing its presence even in the poor income nations. Evaluation of the national health policies has revealed major shortcomings in the existing policies especially on the community level, owing to which the current strategies have not been successful in achieving the desired outcome. In order to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and to respond to the multiple identified challenges there is an indispensable need to formulate a multidisciplinary strategy in collaboration with the multiple stakeholders. In conclusion, development of a comprehensive evidence-based strategy well supported with the health education campaign will definitely reduce the magnitude of the childhood obesity in the future years to come.