One out of three children in the United States are overweight. Being overweight is influenced by lifestyle. Children spend less time exercising because they're preoccupied with all the latest technology. Also, since families are so busy, they have come to rely on fast food instead of healthy home cooked meals. Healthy kids start with a healthy example from the parents.
Obesity increases the risk for health conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol). Kids that are obese may have low self-esteem from being teased or singled out.
Kids who are unhappy with their weight may:
- develop unhealthy dieting habits and eating disorders
- develop depression
- be at risk for substance abuse
Overweight kids are at risk for developing medical problems like:
- high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes
- bone and joint problems
- shortness of breath that makes physical activity more difficult and may aggravate the symptoms/increase the chances of developing asthma
- disordered sleep patterns
- tendency to mature earlier (overweight kids may be taller and more sexually mature than their peers)
- liver and gall bladder disease
- depression
Cardiovascular factors in childhood (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes) can lead to other medical problems (heart disease, heart failure, and stroke). Preventing or treating overweight and obesity in kids can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
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