Effects Of Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children has reached alarming proportions. Physical inactivity, diet rich in fats and genetics, contributes towards making a child obese. Obesity is harmful especially in children as it leads to many adverse health effects. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is “a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability”. In developed countries, it has reached epidemic proportions and has been declared as a grave concern to public health. Social discrimination makes it all the more worse. Girls and young women suffer the most. Children with obesity, suffer from some of the diseases, that earlier used to affect only adults, like diabetes. Obesity can be controlled by maintaining a strict and balanced diet. Regular exercise is also a must. Children should be encouraged to indulge in physical activity, and leave junk food. For the severely obese, taking medical care is advised. Treatments like stomach bypass surgery and liposuction have been effective. Read the article below to know more about the effects of childhood obesity.

 

Obese children suffer from low self-esteem, anxiety, poor body image, and depression. The problems of their health make them lead a lesser quality of life. Obese children also develop a fear of being bullied or, of their parents disliking them. They tend to develop an introvert approach and are also more likely to adopt drug usage. These emotional and psychological effects can have a huge impact on the later life of the child.

 

The incidence of diabetes among children with obesity is on a rise. Obese children are more at risk to suffer from type 2 diabetes.

 

Children suffering from obesity experience, heart related problems from the age of thirty. Due to childhood obesity, people suffer heart attacks in their 30s and 40s.

 

Obese children are more likely to suffer from digestive related problems like indigestion, constipation, etc.

Obese children breathe harder, thereby, inflaming the respiratory tract. This increases the risk of asthma. According to an estimate, children suffering from asthma are more likely to be obese. 

Obesity in childhood results in chronic medical conditions. People suffering from obesity since childhood are more at risk of chronic diseases, than people who smoke, or drink excessively.

 

Severe obesity during childhood can lead to infertility during adult.    

Childhood obesity also results in sleep and eating disorders. Problems of the bones and joint, and lack of stamina are also the result of obesity during childhood. They also suffer from high cholesterol level and high blood pressure. Obesity during childhood also results in a shorter life span.