Obesity in children

the word derives from the Latin obesus obesity which means "person who has too much fat. " It is characterized by excessive accumulation and storage of fat, mainly in adipose tissue. It is manifested by a weight gain greater than 20 percent of ideal weight expected for age, height and sex. In children, a practical, though not exact, to calculate the weight after two years of age and up to five, obtained by multiplying the age in years two and eight (child of three years = 3 x 2 + 8 = 14 kg.) These factors have to be carefully compared when looking at obesity in children and adolescents.

In most cases the doctor, parents and children are more concerned with social problems that obesity causes, which changes and metabolic complications it can cause.

Obesity is a public health problem and is one of the epidemic diseases in developed countries, in recent years by imitation and consumption of foods high in energy have increased in frequency in Mexico. In developing countries most affected is the middle class.

      It should go away the idea or belief that "fat"in children is healthy, with age or reduced weight. To prevent obesity is desirable that the first months of life children acquire good eating habits.

It is common to think that will be temporary and only one expression of the growth and development of the individual, unfortunately, this view is not only accepted by most people, but some doctors who do not give due importance when detected.

      The age of onset in 50 percent of cases within two years, the rest is observed in periods of higher growth, particularly in puberty and adolescence.