childhood obesity

As obesity rates among American children continue to rise, researchers and other pediatric health care professionals are reporting dire results - and predicting drastic consequences. With effects that include a lowered quality of life, an increased likelihood of contracting several serious disorders, and a potential reduction in life expectancy, obesity and youth are proving to be a disastrous combination.

For many overweight children and teens, their physical health and well-being is the least of their problems. Their real suffering comes when they contend with name-calling, rejection by peers, taunting, and other poor treatment they receive from other children at school and in the community. And for many, it's not only how others think of them, but how they think of themselves. A sizable percentage of overweight kids - particularly girls - are clinically depressed as a result of a preoccupation with being overweight.