The article asserts .

             "Overweight children face higher than normal odds of suffering from both immediate and long-term physical, psychosocial, and emotional consequences (Dietz, 1998; Smith, 1999). They are at greatly increased risk for lifelong health problems, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, Type II diabetes mellitus, and orthopedic complications (e.g., increased stress on weight-bearing joints). Furthermore, overweight children are at a greater risk of becoming overweight adults. The relative risk of becoming overweight as an adult increases with the age of an obese child and with the presence of obesity in at least one parent (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe).".

             In addition, to the health problems that often accompany obesity; obese children often struggle from social problems. The article reports that children often develop harmful attitudes about overweight peers (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). When these attitudes are not corrected they lead to intentional weight-related teasing (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). According to the authors in many cultures there is often a stigma connected to being overweight (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Such stigma often asserts that overweight people are lazy and self indulgent (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Studies have suggested that children as young as 6 have these negative views of overweight people (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). In addition, overweight children are often viewed as being less likeable (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). Such perceptions often impede their social development (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). As a result children that are obese are more likely to suffer from depression and low self esteem (Hoot & Lynn-Garbe). .

             "Rejection by a peer at school may be the first indication to an obese individual that his or her excess weight is a hindrance (Puhl & Brownell, 2001). Several studies conducted in various elementary schools, using pictures of ectomorph- (thin), mesomorph- (normal weight), and endomorph- (obese) shaped children, found that the majority of children had negative views about or preferred not to socialize with the endomorphic children (Cramer & Steinwert, 1998; Irwin et al 2003).