In recent years, there has been a significant increase in overweight among children and adolescents. Overweight is the most common nutritional disorder among children in industrialized countries. Studies of primary school children in grades 1- 4 showed a rate of 12 percent of severely overweight children.
According to the results of the MONICA project of the World Health Organization (WHO), every fifth child and every third adolescent in Germany is already classified as overweight. Half of these children are pathologically overweight. A recent study by the school medical service in the Southwest Palatinate (Rhineland-Palatinate) has shown that 20% of fourth graders are overweight.
In 9% of them, the signs of obesity are already pronounced. These are however by no means special southwest-Palatinate conditions, but – as in studies proof – representative numbers for completely Germany. It is to be expected that about 80 percent of overweight children will become fat adults.
The World Health Organization has therefore classified pathological overweight as a chronic disease, and experts are even talking about the biggest epidemic of the 21st century. Since overweight does not develop overnight, the first signs should be taken seriously and children should be supported in maintaining their weight within the normal range. This is primarily about more exercise and a healthier diet.
In particular, children and young people should learn that exercise is fun and that healthy food tastes good. Under no circumstances should an idealization of slimness be conveyed, but rather the aim should be to make children and adolescents aware of their own strengths and strengthen their self-confidence. The treatment of overweight children is controversially discussed. The opponents are of the opinion that overweight grows out in old age anyway, the children are unnecessarily burdened, eating disorders can develop, a label is put on the children and they are trimmed to beauty ideals of our society. The proponents assume that psychological and physical strains are already present in childhood and with targeted therapy concepts one would like to ensure a long-term reduced body weight and thus a higher quality of life.
