can you help me paraphrase this:

Obesity means an excess amount of body fat. No general agreement exists on the definition of obesity in children as it does adults. Most professionals use published guidelines based on the body mass index(BMI), or a modified BMI for age, to measure obesity in children. Others define obesity in children as body weight at least 20% higher than a healthy weight for a child of that height, or a body fat percentage above 25% in boys or above 32% in girls.

Although rare in the past, obesity is now among the most widespread medical problems affecting children and adolescents living in the United States and other developed countries. About 15% of adolescents (aged 12-19 years) and children (aged 6-11 years) are obese in the United States according to the American Obesity Association. The numbers are expected to continue increasing. Childhood obesity represents one of our greatest health challenges.

Obesity has a profound effect on a child's life. Obesity increases the child's risk of numerous health problems, and it also can create emotional and social problems. Obese children are also more likely to be obese as adults, increasing their risk of serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke.

If your child is overweight, further weight gain can be prevented. Parents can help their children keep their weight in the healthy range.

•In infancy, breastfeeding and delaying introduction of solid foods may help prevent obesity.

•In early childhood, children should be given healthful, low-fat snacks and take part in vigorous physical activity every day. Their television viewing should be limited to no more than seven hours per week (which includes video games and the Internet).

•Older children can be taught to select healthy, nutritious foods and to develop good exercise habits. Their time spent watching television and playing with computer or video games should be limited to no more than seven hours each week. Avoid snacking or eating meals while watching TV, movies, and videos.

This site has excellent advice for paraphrasing.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/619/01/

Probably the most important is to read and reread the passage.

Put it aside.

Then jot down the most important parts on note cards.

okay thank you...I am having a hard time starting it off.

Don't worry for now about the paraphrasing. Just keep reading and rereading the paragraphs until you thoroughly understand it. (Don't memorize the statistics; you can go back and get those later.)

I'd even let it sit over night. Then make notes on what you remember.

When you finally write your paper, come up with your own thesis statement. Then look over your notes to support your thesis.

Sure! Here's a paraphrased version of the text:

Obesity is when a person has too much body fat. There is no consensus on how to define obesity in children, unlike in adults. Most experts use guidelines based on the body mass index (BMI) or a modified BMI for age to measure obesity in children. Some define obesity in children as having a body weight at least 20% higher than a healthy weight for their height, or a body fat percentage above 25% in boys or 32% in girls.

While uncommon in the past, obesity has become a widespread issue among children and adolescents in the United States and other developed countries. Approximately 15% of adolescents (aged 12-19) and children (aged 6-11) are obese in the United States, according to the American Obesity Association. These numbers are expected to continue rising, making childhood obesity a significant health challenge.

Obesity has a significant impact on a child's life. It increases their risk of various health problems and can also lead to emotional and social difficulties. Furthermore, obese children are more likely to become obese adults, thus increasing their risk of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.

If your child is overweight, it is possible to prevent further weight gain. Parents can assist their children in maintaining a healthy weight range by following these suggestions:

- During infancy, breastfeeding and delaying the introduction of solid foods may help prevent obesity.
- In early childhood, offer children nutritious and low-fat snacks, encourage daily vigorous physical activity, and limit their screen time (including TV, video games, and the Internet) to no more than seven hours per week.
- With older children, teach them to choose healthy and nutritious foods, develop good exercise habits, and limit their screen time to no more than seven hours per week. Avoid eating snacks or meals while watching TV, movies, or videos.