Childhood obesity is a serious condition that can affect children and adolescents. It is diagnosed when a child is heavier than normal for their age and height. Obesity is “one of the most stigmatizing and least socially acceptable conditions in childhood” (“Childhood Obesity: Emotional Effects and Sedentary Lifestyles | Mollen Foundation to Prevent Childhood Obesity”). Childhood obesity is very dangerous, because all the extra pounds often put children on the path to serious health problems. Childhood obesity is becoming more and more common over the years. The physical health problems associated with obesity are bad enough for a child, but what about the emotional consequences of obesity? Most obese children don't just lose their excess weight. Childhood obesity can lead to depression, low self-esteem and social stigma. The emotional consequences of childhood obesity are very damaging to a child's life. Depression is one of the emotional side effects of childhood obesity. One in three American children is overweight or obese (Allen). Cases of childhood depression have also increased and the two problems are usually linked to each other (Allen). Eric Storch says that the people we interact with have a lot to do with who we are and how we act (Allen). So this means that if all your classmates are always telling you how fat or disgusting you are, this can contribute to depression. When a child is depressed, he or she may lose interest in normal activities, sleep more, and/or cry a lot (Mayo Clinic Staff). It can even accelerate weight gain. With all the rejection in an overweight child's life, he or she may feel like he or she... middle of paper ... and that this could be detrimental to their development as an adult. The emotional toll of childhood obesity is detrimental to a child's life. Unfortunately, obesity, although one of the easiest medical conditions to recognize, is one of the most difficult to treat ("Childhood Obesity: The Effects on Physical and Mental Health | AboutOurKids.org" ). The effects of childhood obesity have a long-term impact on an individual's life during childhood and adolescence and can even continue into adulthood ("Childhood Obesity: Emotional Effects and Coping Patterns"). sedentary lifestyle | Mollen Foundation to prevent childhood obesity). There are many ways to prevent a child from becoming obese, such as healthy eating and physical activity (“Childhood Obesity – DASH/HealthyYouth”). In conclusion, childhood obesity causes depression, poor self-image, low self-esteem and social stigma..