The physical and psychological consequences of obesity in children are potentially severe in both the short term and the long term. Physically, obese children have higher risks of obesity-related illnesses both during childhood and into adulthood. Psychologically, overweight and obese children suffer from social discrimination and issues related to low self esteem.
Low Self Esteem
Obese children and teenagers often suffer from discrimination and taunts from peers early on. This social stigma leads to low self esteem which can affect multiple areas of a child's life. In both childhood and adulthood, low self esteem leads to poor academic and vocational functioning as well as underdeveloped social skills. According to a report by NPR.org, children internalize teasing from peers, family and even teachers, leading them to feel defective and preventing them from living up to their full potential.
Cardiovascular Disease
Obese children and teenagers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal glucose, or blood sugar, tolerance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a study of 5- to 17-year-old obese children, 70 percent had one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 39 percent had two or more risk factors.
Other Obesity-Related Complications
Other complications that arise from obesity can affect obese children. These children are also at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, type 2 diabetes has begun to emerge in recent years as a problem among obese children and adolescents. Other conditions linked to childhood obesity include asthma, fatty liver disease and sleep apnea.
Continued Obesity Into Adulthood
Many obese children are still obese as adults. The longer they have suffered from obesity and the older they get, the higher the risks are for obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. In addition to increased disease risk, the weight becomes more difficult to lose as they age as metabolism eventually slows down.
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