According to the KidsHealth website, one in three kids are obese or overweight in the United States. With the increased use of technology, many children spend time in front of television or computer screens instead of exercising outside. In addition, many busy families find it difficult to fit healthy homemade meals into their busy schedules, opting for convenient, fattening fast food. Obesity has serious side effects. Learning about the health risks of obesity may encourage parents and children to make healthier decisions at meal times.
Diabetes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in obese children and adolescents. Although type 2 diabetes is usually an adult condition, recent years have shown that it is occurring in children. In fact, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that one in three children will develop diabetes in the United States. Diabetes is a serious health condition that can cause cardiovascular disease and may even result in kidney failure.
Psychological
According to the KidsHealth website, children who are obese are more prone to suffer from psychological problems. Self-esteem tends to be low in an obese child because he may be bullied, made fun of or rejected by other kids. This can cause a child to develop an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa. In addition, an unhappy obese child may be more inclined to turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with his pain. Obese children may also suffer from depression. All of these conditions can affect a child's participation in school and other social activities.
Cardiovascular problems
The University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital explains that obese children are more prone to cardiovascular problems. Heart disease is one cardiovascular disorder associated with childhood obesity. Atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the arteries of the heart to harden, is the most common reason for heart disease. Other factors that contribute to heart disease are high levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, obese children may develop high blood pressure. This puts unnecessary strain on the heart. The KidsHealth website states that child obesity can cause heart failure and strokes in adulthood.
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