The condition for obesity or being overweight is described as an excessive accumulation of fat in the body or an increase in weight beyond that considered desirable with regard to age, height, and bone structure. An individual or child of more than normal weight is considered obese. Overweight is a more general term signifying excessive and burdensome weight.
Obesity is a common problem in our country and in the world today. Particularly it is associated with the United States, which enjoys a higher standard of living than many countries. This higher living standard directly affects the eating habits of people, and people in the United States tend to be overweight. Being overweight effects physical and mental health in adults and children (Miller-Keane 1.97.8). Many over-weight children tend to grow up to be overweight adults, thus carrying the significant physical and mental health problems associated with overweightedness with them into adulthood. At least 25% of all children are obese, and more than 80% of overweight children become overweight adults (Brownell, 1978). Too much weight, or too many pounds, are a strain on the body, and can eventually shorten one's life span. The over-weight child who does not control his weight and carries the condition with him into adulthood invites a number of unnecessary complications.