The child obesity epidemic and the dangers of childhood obesity are at the forefront of many health professionals discussion groups. The reason for this is the long lasting psychological and physical effects that children have to endure. It's hard enough that they have to deal with the extra weight but not being able to participate in as many activities as the other kids affects them emotionally. What we don't see is their deep seeded pain.
Our first action in dealing with childhood obesity is a physical one. We want to help them look better. It is presumed that if they look better they will naturally feel better. This is true in many cases. As they start to emotionally feel more accepted by their peers their self esteem improves. The problem is; once they do start to look better, and they will if they get proper nutrition and exercise, is it may be too late. Have the physical dangers of childhood obesity been too much for their bodies to handle?
Dealing With Adult Diseases
Type 2 diabetes has for years been an adult disease that in most cases wasn't diagnosed until the later in life. It has become one of the biggest dangers of childhood obesity in recent years. Type 2 diabetes is a non insulin dependent disease that is difficult to treat. In some cases it can lead to being insulin dependent.
Overweight and obese children are at a greater risk of contracting Cardiovascular disease later in life. The older the children are, the greater the risk is. In other words an obese teen is more likely to have a cardiovascular disease in adulthood than an obese pre-teen.
Sleep apnea is a disorder when breathing is interrupted by blocked airway passages resulting in poor sleep quality. Obese children with sleep apnea will experience daytime fatigue, problems in school, and have a tendency to be hyperactive.
The development of bone mass during the growing years is essential. Children with a higher body fat percentage may be at risk of developing osteoporosis as adults. The reason for this is children who have more body fat have less bone mass. Interestingly though is that adults who are heavy and have already built stronger bones from carrying the excess weight are at a lower risk of developing osteoporosis. The opposite is true for children. Their bone development is compromised.
Worth Mentioning
Other dangers worth noting are cancer, asthma and hypertension. In more severe cases: gall bladder disease, liver disease, and high cholesterol.
Evaluating all the dangers of childhood obesity is a difficult process. There are variables that need to be considered such as environmental and genetic issues which is why it needs to be done on an individual basis. One of the biggest dangers of childhood obesity is the psychological effects that have occurred. With proper nutrition , exercise, and a metabolism boost we can solve childhood obesity. We all hope once the weight issue is under control and their self esteem has been restored that they live long, happy, and healthy lives.
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