Addressing Childhood Obesity in the Dental Setting

By Jaymi‑Lyn Adams, RDH, MS, and Linda D. Boyd, RDH, RD, EdD

Childhood obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges of the 21st century, both in the United States and globally.^1,2 Childhood obesity is a multifactorial disease with risk factors related to genetics, development, and the environment.³ Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, and are at risk for developing additional chronic medical conditions such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea.^4–6 Childhood obesity is also related to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and social problems such as bullying.⁵ The persistence of these comorbid conditions into adulthood is not only costly to personal health, it presents an economic burden on society as well.⁶ With one in three children in the US overweight or obese, early identification and intervention are critical.⁴ Oral health professionals are well suited to promote healthy weight with patients and parents.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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