Pediatric Nutrition Course for Postgraduates - Childhood Obesity Prof Khalil Abdel-Khalek

Childhood Obesity Prof Khalil Abdel-Khalek Head of Pediatric Clinical Nutrition unit Pediatrics Department Cairo University •An Epidemic •Should we be screening for obesity? • Aetiology •DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS •CONSEQUENCES OF OBESITY •MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY Investigations in the obese child Childhood obesity has now reached epidemic proportions, and large numbers of children are presenting for medical care Obesity can simply be defined as an excess of body fat. Although there are more accurate methods for measuring body fat, body mass index (BMI) is the only method that is feasible outside the realms of research. BMI is calculated from the formula BMI=weight (kg)4height2 (m). Childhood obesity has shown a dramatic increase in the last decade. Figures vary as there is much inconsistency in how obesity is defined. As many as 30% of 11 year olds were overweight (. 85th centile) and 17% were obese (.95th centile) with a significant rise over only a three year period If we consider obesity to be epidemic, the question arises whether screening should be introduced. #Nutrition #growth #pediatrics #chidren #Clinical #Nutrition #medicine #health #faltering_growth #diet #cairo #Egypt