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Obesity in children and teenagers is a serious issue with many fitness and social consequences that often continue into adulthood. The obesity epidemic is especially evident in industrialized nations where many people live sedentary lives and eat more convenience foods, which are typically high in calories and low in nutritional value.

There are many factors and reason for obesity - some modifiable causes explaining below.

1-Socioeconomic Status - Low family incomes and non-working parents

2- Eating Habits - Over-consumption of high-calorie foods. Some eating patterns that have been associated with this behavior are eating when not hungry, eating while watching TV or doing homework.

3- Physical Activity - Lack of regular exercise

4- Sedentary behavior - High frequency of television viewing, computer usage, and similar behavior that takes up time that can be used for physical activity. .

5-Environment - Some factors are over-exposure to advertising of foods that promote high-calorie foods and lack of recreational facilities.

The persistence of obesity into maturity depends on several factors, like the age at which the teen becomes obese, the sternness of the disease and the presence of obesity in at least one parent. Overweight in a child under three years of age does not predict future obesity, unless at least one parent is also obese

As with adults, a nutrition consultant may or may not recommend reducing the number of calories the child eats and implementing strategies like learning to read nutrition labels and the food guide pyramid, selecting proper portion sizes, and prepared foods.

There is some strong drug therapy also available which are very helpful in child obesity. Behavior therapy involves changes in diet and physical activity habits to one that promote a healthy weight. Some behavioral therapy strategies for children and adolescents should include parent and family involvement.