Medical Consequences Of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is linked to a higher chance of disability and premature death in adulthood. Obese children are also likely to stay overweight into adulthood while being more susceptible to some serious conditions at a younger age. For most illnesses that result from obesity, the risk depends on the age of onset and the period of obesity. Obese children and teens suffer from both long- and short-term medical consequences. Nevertheless, the most significant health risks of childhood obesity include heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease. It is also worth noting over 2.5 million individuals die every year due to obesity. This article will discuss how the above medical complications are linked to childhood obesity.

Diabetes

Research has revealed childhood obesity raises the risk of diabetes-mellitus by fourfold. United Kingdom scientists made this discovery after taking on a large-scale analysis of obesity and diabetes among British children. The findings stated the rising prevalence of obesity, the number of young adults and children diagnosed with diabetes has increased. The report went on to state an obese child has a four-fold greater risk of being diagnosed as diabetic before they reach twenty-five. These findings were found to be consistent with the existing literature, and given these conditions are preventable earlier on, it is imperative the public and policymakers invest and engage in the appropriate prevention efforts.

Continue reading to learn about the next medical consequence of childhood obesity.

Heart Disease

'Cardiometabolic Risks and Severity of Obesity in Children and Young Adults' is a study done with the help of over nine thousand overweight or obese children and teenagers. During the research, physicians checked their blood pressure and cholesterol levels in addition to other significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease. They discovered, on average, most obese or overweight children and adolescents had higher than normal blood pressures, high blood sugar levels, and bad cholesterol profiles. This was found to be true across all races, ethnicities, genders, and ages.

And because most of the study participants were between twelve and nineteen, the report concluded the more severely overweight a teen is, the more likely they will go on to develop heart problems. Moreover, the research also found out young men and boys tended to have unfavorable test results, which raises the concern childhood obesity could be having a more profound effect on them.

Keep reading to uncover the next consequence.

High Blood Pressure And Cholesterol

Another study has discovered obese and overweight children are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. During the study, the researchers from California went through nearly 250,000 health records of children between six and seventeen. They found out individuals who were overweight were twice more likely to develop high blood pressure and have worse cholesterol profiles than kids at an average weight.

Additionally, moderately obese children were four times more likely to contract the condition, while extremely obese youths were ten times as likely to get the same disease. This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension. Moreover, the study found nearly ten percent of extremely obese children and teenagers already have high blood pressure and about half of them occasionally register blood pressure readings in the higher levels.

Continue reading to learn about the medical consequence related to sleep that's attached to childhood obesity.

Sleep Apnea

If a child has fatty deposits around their neck and chin area, it might press on their airway as they are lying in the sleeping position. This might obstruct their airways and cause them to briefly stop breathing as they are sleeping. Also, a large belly can make it difficult for the chest and diaphragm to expand and take in the air while they are sleeping. Moreover, their enlarged tonsils might obstruct their airway as they sleep.

Children with this condition could stop breathing for up to sixty seconds during the night, and they may have these repeated moments for as many as sixty times a night. Additionally, children as young as two years old might experience this condition if they are overweight. Thus, if your child snores and is overweight, it is a likely indicator of sleep apnea. And if left untreated, this medical condition will severely affect the child’s growth and could result in learning difficulties, trouble paying attention in school, and behavioral issues. Obesity is a significant contributor to sleep apnea. Hence, to avoid the detrimental consequences of this disease, it is imperative you take appropriate measures to control their weight.

Continue reading to uncover another potential medical consequence of childhood obesity.

Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is linked to obesity and insulin resistance. And with the prevalence of insulin resistance and obesity in children dramatically increasing, the pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disorder is on the rise. This condition is currently the most common chronic liver disease in kids.

This liver disorder is characterized by an uncharacteristic accumulation of fat in this organ. It does not have symptoms and is usually discovered by chance when hepatic steatosis is recognized during abdominal imaging. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is linked to elevations in levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and aminotransferases. Ultimately, this disorder may eventually result in scarring and liver damage.

Obesity is among the most significant risks to children’s health today. Its prevalence is steadily rising, with the number of obese kids almost tripling over the past twenty-five years. Today, about fifteen percent of children between six and nineteen are obese. The great news, however, is there is something we can do to eradicate this epidemic. Weight loss interventions that work for younger patients are now available, and it is imperative to seek them.

Nevertheless, before you place your child on a diet, or enroll them into a weight loss program, it is best to first talk it over with your doctor. Together, you will formulate a plan of action to help your child and family.