Health Interventions For The Prevention Of Obesity In Egyptian Children

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21th century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low and middle income countries particularly in unbar settings. Although definition of obesity and overweight has changed over time, it can be defined as an excess of body fat. A study conducted by Williams et al. on 3.320 children in the age group of 5-18 years classified children as fat if their percentage of body fat was at least 25% for males and 30% for females respectively. European researcher above 85th percentile of body mass index BMI for age and obesity as at or above 95% percentile of BMI. It is widely accepted that increase in obesity results from an imbalance between many intake and expenditure with an increase in positive energy balance being closely associated with the life style adopted and the dietary with the life style adopted and the dietary intake preferences. Research has made important contributions to our understanding of the factors associated with obesity the ecological model by Division et al., suggest that child risk any intake , physical activity and sedentary behavior. The impact of such risk factors is moderated by factors such as age, gender, family characteristics parenting style, parent's life style also plays a role. Environmental factors such as school policies, demographics and parents work -related demands further influence eating and activity behaviors. Genetics are one of the biggest factors examined as a cause of obesity, some studies have found that BMI is 25-40% heritable. However, genetic susceptibility often needs to be coupled with contributing environmental and behavioral factors in order to affect weight. The genetic factor accounts for less than 5% of cases of childhood obesity. Therefore, while genetics can play a role in the development of obesity. It is not the cause of the dramatic increase in childhood obesity