Most often, parents ignore the early signs of obesity in their children by interpreting the signs as indicators of good health and good eating habits. But fat children are not necessarily healthy, just the way lean ones are not devoid of health problems. More often than not, an overweight kid may lag behind his leaner peers in the normal development of numerous faculties. In fact, obesity during childhood is a more serious concern than obesity during adulthood, because an obese child often grows up to be an obese adult; thereby ensuring a lifelong association with obesity related diseases. Moreover, if the causes of obesity are not checked in childhood, the cure of obesity becomes almost impossible when the child grows into an adult. The longer the period of obesity, the more difficult it becomes for the body to shed off the weight it has become so accustomed to carry.

It is extremely easy to identify the causes of obesity in children and adults. Lack of physical activity that is required to burn off is the most common cause. These days, children are more interested in watching television and playing computer games than to indulge in outdoor activities. A large population of children may be prone to obesity because of genetic factors. Children of obese or overweight parents often grow up to be obese.

It is a very easy calculation that is used to determine obesity in both children and adults. All you have to do is calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) of your child. A BMI of 30, according to The American Obesity Association, indicates that your child may become obese, and is at risk for many obesity-related diseases. It indicates a need for a medical examination and the initiation of a weight loss program. Other than the calculation of BMI as a reliable source of the indication of obesity, one may also rely on growth charts (the most reliable source is the CDC). The latest growth charts have included BMI as a parameter for the assessment of the normal growth of a child.