Effects of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity rates are now at alarmingly high levels, with almost one out of five children and adolescents being obese.  This health concern does not bode well for society today, as scientists believe that the current generation of children may be the first to have a lifespan shorter than that of their parents.  High blood pressure, breathing problems, and type 2 diabetes are just a few of the negative effects of _childhood obesity_.

How is Obesity in Children Measured?

Body mass index is the best method to determine if an individual is obese or overweight.  In children, BMI is determined using the child’s height and weight.  The child’s weight status is determined using his or her age and sex.  The method is different from that used for adults because a child’s body composition varies with age, and between boys and girls.

Health Effects of Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children can have a number of harmful effects.  Children who are overweight or obese can suffer from:

* High blood pressure
* High cholesterol level
* Type 2 diabetes
* Sleep apnea
* Asthma
* Dyspepsia or gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn)
* Liver problems

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Many of the diseases mentioned above used to affect adults only, but with the increasing rates of childhood obesity more and more children now suffer from these diseases.  Obese children are likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes as a consequence of insulin resistance or insulin deficiency.

Obese children are also likely to have high cholesterol levels and hypertension (high blood pressure).  These medical disorders are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.  Likewise, obesity can cause breathing problems such as asthma or sleep apnea.  Overly obese children and adolescents can also suffer from metabolic disorders, liver disease, gallstones and joint problems.

Psychological and Emotional Effects of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can have damaging psychological and emotional effects on children who are at a vulnerable age.  Obese children are often teased and bullied by their peers, and can suffer from social discrimination and low self-esteem.  As a consequence, they may react by misbehaving or becoming anti-social.

In a society that places great importance on being thin, beautiful and athletic, obese children are often socially ostracized and bullied.  They can suffer from anxiety and as a result do poorly in school.

Health Risks in the Future

Obese children are more likely to grow into obese adults in the future.  In addition, they can also suffer from weight-related problems much sooner.  As a consequence of childhood obesity, people can have a heart attack as early as their 30′s or 40′s.  Childhood obesity also leads to diabetes as well as some forms of cancer in adults.

What You Can Do Now

The obesity rate is now at a level where it has become a major contributor to chronic disease and disability worldwide.  The level is highest in developed countries, where obesity is now recognized as a grave concern to public health.  A healthy and balanced diet can help control obesity.  Children must be encouraged to engage in regular exercise and physical activity.  The effects of childhood obesity are too serious to be ignored.  In severe cases, medical care may be required and treatments such as liposuction or stomach bypass surgery may have to be considered. Recent Tags: how to improve metabolism

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Causes of Childhood Obesity

Strictly speaking, there is only one causes of childhood obesity, and that is consuming more calories than the body can burn each day.  However, there are certain factors that increase the risk of your child becoming obese.  It’s important to take the necessary steps to decrease these risk factors in order to avoid health problems that may arise from obesity.

There are many factors that cause obesity in children and adolescents.  Oftentimes, these factors work in combination to increase the risk of your child becoming overweight.  Below are some of the _causes of childhood obesity_.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

Environmental Factors – Environmental factors play a huge role in childhood obesity.  American families often eat out, and more often than not, they eat fast food that is high in fats and calories but lacking in nutrition.  Sugary drinks and energy-dense convenience foods like cookies and chips are readily available while wholesome, healthy foods are less accessible and oftentimes more expensive.  Portion sizes are larger than they used to be, so that people tend to eat more without realizing it.

Kids Need Exercise

Children these days do not get enough physical activities.  They spend too much time using entertainment media such as television, video games, computers and movies.  TV viewing is a major cause of childhood obesity because it discourages physical activity.  In addition, it can lead to increased food intake through snacking and eating in front of the TV.  Television commercials also encourage children to make unhealthy food choices.

Genetics/Family History – Another factor that can cause childhood obesity is genetics.  A child that comes from a family of overweight people is more likely to put on extra weight, too.  While genetics plays an important role in childhood obesity, family factors also have a significant impact particularly if these factors include eating too much without getting enough exercise.  Dietary and lifestyle habits within the family contribute to childhood obesity.

Socioeconomic Factors – Children from low-income backgrounds, including lower level of education,  are more likely to become obese.  Healthy eating and exercise is difficult for families with limited time and resources.  High-calorie processed foods are often cheaper and more readily available than fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods.  Families with low socioeconomic status may also have limited access to safe recreational places, thus making it difficult to participate in sports and physical activities.  However, recent studies into obesity show that the rate of childhood obesity among high- income groups is now on the rise.

Psychological Factors – Some people, including children, are “stress eaters”.  They overeat in order to handle stress or deal with negative emotions.  There are also people who eat to fight boredom.

Medications – Certain drugs can cause obesity in children, such as steroids and antidepressants.  Children who are taking medications for a psychiatric condition or seizure disorder may gain excess weight.  These drugs cause weight gain by stimulating the appetite or slowing down the body’s metabolism so that it burns calories more slowly.  In some cases, the medication may cause the body to retain water.

The CDC has a great page on their plan over the last few years to try and stop these causes of childhood obesity Recent Tags: lose weight fast, power walk

Causes of Childhood Obesity

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity

There is a lot of concern over the growing rate of childhood obesity today.  In the United States, at least one child in every five is overweight or obese.  Genetic factors play a role but the primary causes of obesity are consumption of high-calorie foods and inadequate physical activity.

Due to the rising rate of obesity, weight-related diseases are becoming common among children and adolescents.  There are many health risks of childhood obesity, including the following.

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity

Type 2 Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease linked to childhood obesity.  An increasing number of overweight children and teenagers suffer from this medical condition.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three children in the United States will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

High Blood Pressure – Children who are obese or overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, which can lead to other health risks such as heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease – Overweight children often suffer from high cholesterol levels as well as high blood pressure.  These two medical conditions are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.  Hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis is linked to high cholesterol levels in the blood, and is the most common cause of heart disease.  It can begin as early as childhood in overweight children.

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity

Breathing Problems – Other health risks associated with child obesity are asthma and sleep apnea.  A large number of overweight children suffer from asthma.  Obese children can also have trouble sleeping as a result of obstructive sleep apnea.  This is a serious breathing disorder wherein the sufferer’s breathing is briefly interrupted during sleep.  If left untreated, apnea can lead to heart failure.

Gallstones and Liver Problems – Children and teenagers who are obese are likely to have gallstones.  Obese children are also at risk of fatty liver disease and liver problems that could lead to cirrhosis.

Orthopedic and Other Complications – Excessive weight bearing down on the body can cause orthopedic and joint problems.  Obese children suffer more often from fractures, muscle problems, arthritis, joint pain and bone deformities.

Metabolic Syndrome – It is estimated that 25% to 40% of overweight children will develop metabolic syndrome that could lead to diabetes and heart ailments.  Metabolic syndrome linked to weight problems include high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abnormal lipid levels.

Future Health Risks – Child obesity carries health risks not only in the present but also in the future.  Children and teenagers who are overweight or obese are more likely to become obese adults.  Obesity in adults has a direct negative impact on their health and well-being.  In addition to increased cardiovascular risk, adults who are obese are more likely to suffer from diabetes and to develop certain forms of cancer.

What You Can Do Now

Childhood obesity is a serious health problem that should be dealt with as early as possible.  There are treatment options for obese children, such as diet and gastric bypass, but health professional believe that prevention is the best way to combat childhood obesity.  Parents should provide a balanced and healthy diet for their children.  They should also set a good example by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious foods, and encouraging their children to participate in regular physical activities.

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Health Risks of Childhood Obesity