Childhood ObesityIntroductionRecent decades have seen an increasing trend in the rate of childhood obesity not only in the United States, where 25%-30% of children are affected, but also in many industrialized nations. Childhood obesity continues to represent a major problem in the public health system. The economic cost of medical expenses and lost income resulting from obesity complications in both children and adults has been estimated at nearly $100 billion (Barnes, 2011). Overweight children are more likely to become overweight in adulthood unless they engage in healthier eating habits and physical activity. It is worth noting that the current lifestyle in which many children spend a lot of time watching television and the consumption of sugary and fatty foods have significantly contributed to the high prevalence of childhood obesity. Regarding the causes of childhood obesity, several childhood obesity theories have been proposed that include genetic, developmental, and environmental. Although the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased dramatically over the past 3 to 4 decades, the fight against this condition still faces major challenges due to its underdiagnosis and undertreatment. It is worth noting that with a careful physical examination and assessment of the history of the disease, unnecessary diagnostic procedures and the need for expensive equipment can be avoided. Given the growing concern about childhood obesity, this paper will discuss several issues. These include the history, epidemiology, etiology, course and onset of prognosis, and how the disorder is represented in the DSM IV TR with its associated features. History of childhood obesity Associated health risks to the ob...... half of the document .. .... and substance abuse in the DSM-IV. Therefore, some people have strongly suggested that childhood obesity be considered a food addiction that has a psychological origin and therefore deserves to be fully represented in the DSM-IV TR (O'Brien & Volkow, 2007). It is also critical to note that despite the growing association between obesity and mental health, this relationship has been inconsistently confirmed in the literature. For example, researchers have determined that as a child grows into adulthood, the prevalence of obesity and depression increases. Some prospective studies and a significant number of cross-sectional studies have alluded to the link between obesity and depression. However, a precise summary of the links between the two conditions is not available in the literature (Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences Management & Yagnik, 2009, p.. 4).