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Childhood and Adolescent Obesity

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Chronic Disorders in Children and Adolescents

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Abstract

Between 10 and 15% of children and teens are overweight. According to the Center for Disease Control, “overweight” is defined as at or above the 95th percentile on the CDC’s body mass index (BMI) for age growth charts.

Many factors, often in combination, increase a child or adolescent’s risk of becoming overweight and obese. Genetics, unhealthy nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, cognitive factors, family patterns, ethnic and cultural traditions, community conditions, and school factors can increase the risk of obesity and its complications (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2006).

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  1. Sheridan Rd., Suite 215 1893, Highland Park, 60035, Chicago, IL, USA

    Mark L. Goldstein

  2. Noe Street 695, 94114, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Stephen Morewitz

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Goldstein, M.L., Morewitz, S. (2011). Childhood and Adolescent Obesity. In: Chronic Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9764-7_10

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