Medical Consequences Of 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.