Childhood obesity
has seen a dramatic rise in the last 20
years. Research shows that obesity affects
children in almost the same way it does
adults.
• High
cholesterol, high level of triglycerides
and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad
cholesterol, and low level of HDL (high-density
lipoprotein) or good cholesterol: a combination
of these leads to metabolic syndrome which
places a child at a higher risk for cardiovascular
disease and diabetes.
• Hypertension or high blood
pressure: can result in stroke,
heart problems, and kidney failure. May
cause severe headaches, vomiting, fatigue,
breathlessness, and blurred vision or loss
of vision.
• Cardiovascular disease: 60% of obese children are at a high risk
for heart problems in later life, even if
they lose weight as adults.
• Orthopedic problems like bow legs, tibia vara or Blount’s
disease, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
These problems will result in low levels
of physical activity, thus leading to more
weight gain.
• Sleep apnea or obstructive
sleep apnea: frequent pauses in
breathing during sleep. Results in snoring,
and disrupted sleep patterns which cause
drowsiness, headaches, daytime sleeping,
a decrease in concentration levels, behavioral
problems, memory defects, and a reduction
in stamina. Long-term sleep apnea increases
the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes,
and heart and lung disease.
• Gastro-intestinal disorders: non-alcoholic liver disease caused by fat
deposits in the liver, and gall bladder
disease. A small percentage of obese children
are at a risk for gastroesophagael reflux
and gastric emptying disturbances.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
or Stein-Leventhal syndrome: cysts
or boils in the ovaries. Leads to excessive
hair growth, acne, early puberty, and irregular
menses. Also increase the risk for infertility,
type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Respiratory disorders like asthma and breathlessness during minimal
exertion, thus curtailing physical activity.
• Type 2 diabetes: leads to very low or very high levels of
blood sugar, and increases a child’s
risk for cardiovascular problems like coronary
artery disease and narrowing of the arteries,
high blood pressure, nerve and kidney damage,
skin infections, and osteoporosis.
• Other related problems: Obese children are generally at
a higher risk for dementia, Alzheimer’s,
diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
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