Description
Childhood and adolescent obesity has at last been
recognised as a public health priority in several countries,
with body mass indexes in children rising rapidly over the
past two decades. The physical health impacts of obesity are
well acknowledged but the significance of the psychological
impact of obesity in childhood is often underestimated. Obese
children are susceptible to discrimination and stigmatisation
as well as often suffering from low self-esteem and are prone
to demonstrating high-risk behaviours.
