Medical Conditions Associated With Childhood Obesity
Nearly one in three children in the United States is obese, according to the Let's Move website. Among minority children, the numbers are even higher: 40 percent of minority children are either overweight or obese. Behind every one of these numbers is a child whose life may be cut short because of health issues related to his weight.
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Heart Disease
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It is well known that obesity carries heart risks for adults. However, the risk for obese children is even greater. According to the American Journal of Roentgenology, obese children run a risk of high blood pressure three times greater than their thinner companions. Undiagnosed, the high blood pressure can cause heart valve damage called left ventricular hypertrophy. This damage can cause long-lasting or permanent damage to the heart, drastically shortening the child̵7;s life.
Sleep Apnea
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Sleep apnea isn̵7;t just for overweight, middle-aged men anymore. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is common among obese children and adults. It̵7;s unclear whether extra fat in the neck causes the obstruction, or whether there is a common underlying factor. One thing is clear though -- sleep apnea is on the rise for children. According to the National Sleep Foundation website, treatment for sleep apnea among children from aged 6 to 17 has risen more than 400 percent in the last 20 years. Children who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing during the night. This disturbed sleep leaves the child tired during the day. Tired children don̵7;t exercise and play in a way that burns calories, leading to more weight gain. More weight causes more sleep disturbances, which cause more fatigue, and the vicious cycle continues.
Puberty
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Overweight girls start puberty one to two years earlier than their non-overweight counterparts. The chemical changes responsible for the physical changes in puberty are complex. However, a 2010 study by Drs. Christine Solorzano and Christopher McCartney found that many puberty related hormones are altered in overweight girls, including estrogen and insulin. Solorzano and McCartney also found that these girls also had a higher risk of polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance as adults.
Bone and Joint Issues
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Carrying extra weight puts more stress on the bones and joints, especially the legs. Child development experts at the Kids Health website point out that this is hardest on the legs. Extra weight can deform the bones of the lower leg, causing them to bow outward. The extra stress damages the knee and hip joints, resulting in the early onset of arthritis. In addition, older children and teens who carry more weight are at a greater risk for broken bones and stress fractures.
What Parents Can Do
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It̵7;s never too late to make a difference. In the case of extreme obesity, talk to your child̵7;s pediatrician to get your kiddo on the right path. Set a good example at the dinner table and stay away from sedentary activities, like watching television. Most importantly, get out and play with your child. You might just save your child's life.
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