The effects of obesity on children's health and problems later in life as a result.
Childhood and adolescent obesity is on the rise. While the raw numbers are not yet overwhelming, the percent of obese children has doubled in the past two decades. Approximately 10% of children under 8 are overweight. Of those over 8 but less than 19, the percent rises to 15%. The statistics alone do not give a full portrayal of the problem that this condition presents.
A number of other maladies accompany the rise in obesity. Type 2 diabetes has always been known of as an adult disease. However, with more children being obese, this disease is now starting to show up regularly in younger and younger children. Additionally, because more children are obese, type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent in adults because they developed life-long inferior health and nutritional habits.
It is unclear whether depression is a cause of childhood obesity or a result of it. Regardless, the incidence of depression in children and adolescents is higher in among those who are overweight. It is possible that the teasing and lack of acceptance by their average weight peers leads to this depression or a worsening of it. Along with depression, childhood obesity has been related to causing low self-esteem.
Obesity at any age can lead to the vicious cycle of too little exercise creates too much weight which, in turn, makes it difficult to do enough exercise to help with weight control. Since the child does not exercise, this coupled with depression often leads to more eating and more weight. With the average child and adolescent spending three to five hours parked in front of a television or video game while the parent uses it for babysitter, childhood obesity is not likely to improve in the short term. With 75% of Americans living within two miles of a public park, outdoor activity and exercise is virtually available to everyone.
Criticism often only makes the problem worse. The obese child, like the overweight adult, knows they have extra pounds. Constant reminding does not improve the situation. Redirection and establishing a healthy lifestyle for the family are the best ways to combat the problem.
Childhood obesity that is not controlled frequently carries over into adulthood. Problems like high blood pressure, high blood lipids, heart issues, and joint problems are associated with this condition. Each year younger people are discovered to have these offshoots of obesity that previously did not appear until mid to late adulthood. Even extra dental problems and tooth decay have been related to childhood obesity.
