Risks Associated with Childhood Obesity

You might dismiss extra weight on a three-year old, thinking they will grow out of it in time.

However, there are risks that come with carrying extra weight, even on a three-year old. To understand how serious a problem it is, study the following risk factors.

A chubby baby may be cherubic and cute, but when they are three or four years old, those same fat rolls begin to have similar responses in the body as adult fat cells. A few extra pounds on a developing child creates conditions that are usually seen in adults. When obesity becomes the issue, even the simplest illness can become complicated, even in very young children.

Childhood obesity occurs when a child weighs more than is needed for their particular age and height. However, growth factors need to be taken into consideration before jumping to any conclusions. The extra weight could be added in preparation for a growth spurt. You know your child, and if this change in weight is an irregular thing, it’s probably growth spurts. However, if the weight gain is something that you’ve noticed for a long time, and it’s not changing, it’s probably time to take action.

As parents, it is our responsibility to raise our children as best we can and to give them the best advantages in life.

We sometimes focus on the monetary aspects, but this is so much more. Good health can go a lot further than riches. When you notice that your child is having difficulty with weight, seek a professional opinion. Your child’s doctor will be anxious to help you provide a healthy life for your child.

Medical and Life Changing Effects as Children

Children who are overweight or obese have a higher likelihood of developing certain conditions such as:

• Breathing problems – The added weight can hinder lung development. This of course depends on the age of your child, but they may be more likely to get asthma and develop certain allergies.
• Sleeping problems – Children who are overweight may find it hard to lie flat on their back and get a good night’s sleep. Children may even develop sleep apnea, which can be a frightening condition that, without intervention, will become very serious, even fatal.
• Pain in the joints – The knees bear the burden of three times your weight with each step. Imagine a child with short developing bones carrying all that excess weight for their frame. It can lead to pain on walking, sitting, standing, and even lying down.
• Puberty issues – Weight gain can lead to metabolic changes and hormone imbalances in the body. Puberty can present itself earlier than normal, possibly with disturbing emotional results, as well as health related problems.

Medical and Life Changing Effects as Adults

Obese children are more likely to become obese adults and, as a result, may suffer conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes – A young adult who is obese will be at risk for diseases that usually strike older people. Diabetes is one of those conditions. This occurs when the body either doesn’t make enough insulin for the amount of sugar in the blood or the cells develop a resistance to insulin making it harder for sugar to enter the cells for energy. Diabetics are at risk for kidney disease, heart disease, vascular disease, as well as other conditions.
• High blood pressure – Obese adults are much more likely to have high blood pressure than adults who are not overweight. High blood pressure occurs when the opening of the vessels is smaller than normal, often due to high cholesterol. The heart has to work harder to pump the blood. This puts undue stress on the heart and can lead to stroke or heart attack if the high blood pressure knocks a plaque loose in the bloodstream.

Childhood obesity is not only about getting teased on the playground, or not being able to fit in this year’s fashions. Childhood obesity is a serious, far-reaching condition causing complications that will affect your child throughout their life if not treated. Your job as a parent is to understand the seriousness of your child’s obesity. Plan a strategy today to get your child fit and healthy not only to prevent problems now, but in the future.

To learn more about how to deal with childhood obesity, check out this excellent book by Susan Okie. To order the book, click on this image.

What are your thoughts?  Leave a comment or sound off about the epidemic.