Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Childhood Obesity & Eating disorders

From last 30 years the occurrence of obesity in children has tripled & now it can be assumed that every one in five children, is affected with obesity in USA. Childhood obesity can be defined as the condition where extra body fat makes a negative impact on child’s health or well-being. This is the most serious public health encounters in the 21^st century. Moreover this is steadily affecting people globally which can be redirected to many fatal conditions i.e. Carotid arteries, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke. Obesity can lead to many psychological disorders too (Depression, poor self-esteem, Anxiety, distorted peer relationship). It has been estimated that the obese children are more prone to have Osteoarthritis. Childhood obesity is mostly screened by determining the BMI of the corresponding child. This can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing proper diet, daily physical activity. Different medications are also available to alleviate different factors related to obesity. Behaviour Modification also helps in prevention from obesity. Eating disorders are the result of irregular & unhealthy eating habits. It may include inadequate or excessive food intake which finally affect one’s health & well-being. Eating disorders may develop at any age of human life. The consequences are detrimental & sometimes even fatal. Along with unhealthy eating habits it may occur due to some biological reasons i.e. hormonal, genetically developed & nutritional deficiencies. Eating disorder may lead to one of the most occurring disease i.e. obesity, which is leading cause of death worldwide in 21^st century. Sometimes ill eating habits may lead to certain mental issues & depressions. Currently nutritional therapy & certain medications are used to treat eating disorders. Similarly certain Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & psychological therapies are also used in certain cases.