Americans of all ages are fatter than ever. Obese people are more apt to develop a wide range of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, early arthritis and diabetes, gallstones, and sleep apnea, and to die prematurely from all causes. They also often endure psychic burdens. Children as young as 3 years voice derogatory opinions of overweight body types. Obese adolescents have more trouble getting into college and getting a job.
Obese adults are less likely to marry than people of normal weight.
These are strong reasons for physicians to intervene early when children are overweight, Kotler said. Children's potential for linear growth, she noted, makes weight maintenance an appropriate goal. This aim is easier to achieve than weight loss, she said, and may account for greater long-term success in treating children than adults. It also avoids the focus on losing weight that may foster development of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Food is the most heavily advertised product on television, Kotler noted.