Children who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of poor
health, both in adolescence and in adulthood. Being overweight
in childhood increases the risk of developing cardiovascular
disease or diabetes, as well as related social and mental health
problems. Excess weight problems in childhood are associated
with an increased risk of being an obese adult, at which point
certain forms of cardiovascular diseases, cancer,
osteoarthritis, a reduced quality of life and premature death
can be added to the list of health concerns (Sassi, 2010).
Evidence suggests that even if excess childhood weight is lost,
adults who were obese children retain an increased risk of
cardiovascular problems. And although dieting or increased
physical activity can combat obesity, children are at a greater
risk of again putting on weight when they revert to previous
lifestyles. In addition, dieting may lead to eating disorders,
symptoms of stress and postponed physical development. Figure
2.4.1 shows estimates by the International