Obesity refers to a person's body mass index (BMI) being more than is healthy for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity is on the rise, more than tripling in teens and doubling in younger children since 1980.http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/Obesity in children can be potentially dangerous to their physical and mental health. It can lead to more weight problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart issues later in life, and can contribute to depression or low self esteem.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698

Some causes for obesity include hormone disorders such as Prader-Willi syndrome. These sorts of diseases, however, are uncommon, and the typical causes of childhood obesity are overeating, not getting enough physical activity, or genetic predispositionshttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698/DSECTION=causesThere are treatments for childhood obesity, most of which include changes in lifestyle and eating habits.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

For younger children, a doctor may implement a treatment method that includes an adjustment in eating patterns and an increase in exercise. In these cases, weight loss must be slow, allowing for BMI to decrease as the child grows taller.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

For children older than seven years of age, other methods may be implemented, depending on the severity of the individual case. Healthy eating and exercise will always by a factor, but medications and surgery may also be used for treatment. Medications may include weight loss pills that are safe for children and teenagers or statin medications to lower cholesterol levels. However, some of these drugs are not yet approved for children under 18.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

Surgery for weight loss is not typically done as a treatment for childhood obesity. If other attempts at losing weight and getting healthy have failed, a doctor may authorize surgery, depending on the case.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

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