A Guide to Effects of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity has become one of the biggest health issues faced by the society these days, and as per latest statistics, almost one in five children is overweight. Scientists believe that this generation of children is going to have shorter life span as compared to their parents. There are many obesity research scientists all over the world studying mental and physical effects of childhood obesity.

Various Effects Of Childhood Obesity

Some of the effects of childhood obesity are type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, gall bladder disease and gall stones, certain cancers, fatty liver disease, gout, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. As the obesity rate increases, children become more prone to all these serious health problems. More than 15% of children and adolescents in US are overweight, much higher than 4% just few decades ago. Overweight and obese adolescents have higher risk of dying from heart disease in their adulthood.

There are various psychological effects of childhood obesity as well. Most children understand that obesity is socially undesirable, and this awareness has negative impact on their psyche. However, children differ in their emotional and cognitive development, their family background, genetic make-up, and their importance to being overweight. They are also subject to different family dysfunctions and parenting styles. This results in individualized coping strategies to being obese.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most concerning effect of childhood obesity, and just within last two decades, number of children afflicted by this disease has doubled. Obesity can also lead to asthma, and effects of asthma are far greater in nonallergic children. Obese asthmatic kids suffer much more than their non-obese counterparts as they need more medications, wheeze more, and end up making more frequent visits to emergency room.

There are certain subtle effects of childhood obesity that arise as a result of strong messages that are sent by the society we live in, and the ideals set in terms of body weight, and beauty. Boys are told to work out to get a muscular, buff façade, and girls are encouraged to exercise and diet till they attain a thin body. This puts obese girls and boys at risk of developing the eating and psychological disorders.

Effects of childhood obesity are social as well, and obese kids find it more difficult to participate in healthy, normal activities, and they miss out on my things that are enjoyed by normal weight children. Obese teenagers also have difficulties in socializing and dating. Obesity can cause depression, and mood disorders, negatively impacting the social life of a child.

If you feel that your child may be obese, get timely help, as parents are the most important driving force capable of making a difference in child’s life. Preventing childhood obesity is difficult, but it is not impossible. Help child make healthy food choices, and encourage your child to actively participate in sports everyday.

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