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 countries. . Childhood obesity remains a major problem in the public health system. The economic cost of medical expenses as well as lost income resulting from the complications of obesity in children and adults has been estimated at nearly $100 billion (Barnes, 2011). Overweight children are at greater risk of becoming obese as adults if they do not adopt healthier eating habits and exercise. It should be noted that the current lifestyle in which many children spend a lot of time watching television as well as consuming sugary and fatty foods has contributed significantly to the high prevalence of childhood obesity. Regarding the causes of childhood obesity, several theories of etiologies including genetics, development and environment have been proposed. Despite the dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity over the past three to four decades, the fight against this disease still faces major challenges due to its underdiagnosis and undertreatment. It should be noted that a careful physical examination and assessment of the disease history helps to avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures and the need for expensive equipment. Given the growing concern about childhood obesity, this article will address several issues. These include the history, epidemiology, etiology, course and onset prognosis, as well as how the disorder is represented in the DSM IV TR with its associated features. History of Obesity childhoodHealth risks associated with obesity...... middle of article.. ....and substance abuse in the DSM-IV. Therefore, some have strongly suggested that childhood obesity should be considered a food addiction with 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 established that as a child reaches adulthood, the prevalence of obesity and depression increases. Some prospective studies and a significant number of cross-sectional studies have hinted at 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).