Does Your Child Have These 4 Child Obesity Health Problems?

Child Obesity is a health problem that is even more frightening than adult obesity. Years ago it was rare to observe and experience child obesity. This health problem was considered almost exclusively one of middle age. Now it is common in teens and younger children. A child with too much body fat, a body mass index (BMI) in the 95 percentile for their age and gender, is considered obese. Some child obesity is genetic, but a vast majority is due to the wrong types of food in large quantities and not enough exercise.

Just like with overweight adults, obese children are very prone to many health issues.

Take note of these 4 Child Obesity Health Problems:

1. High blood pressure and high cholesterol. These two health issues are the leading cause of heart disease. Obese children are far more likely to have heart disease when they reach early adulthood.  Again, what used to be considered more of a middle age ailment will often strike those with child obesity in their early twenties or thirties. A recent study found that obese children had the same type of plaque buildup in their arteries as that of a 45 year old person.

2. Those with child obesity also have a much higher chance of developing onset diabetes.   A study found that obese children are up to two times more likely to have diabetes than children of the same age that weren't overweight.  This early onset of diabetes can mean a lifetime of health issues and can frequently cause kidney disease and even blindness.

3. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to 35% of obese children have sleep apnea. This child obesity disorder causes someone to stop breathing for a few seconds at a time while they are asleep.  Up until recently this was only found in adults.  Sleep apnea can lead to many issues, the most obvious of which is not getting enough sleep. This lack of sleep in a child can cause difficulties in school and learning disabilities in a developing child.

4. Depression is also common in those with child obesity.  Obese children are often mocked and ridiculed by other kids at school which can lead to low self esteem and eventually behavioral problems and trouble in school.

Child obesity is a very serious medical and emotional issue, and is certainly not something that should be ignored.  The good news is that many of the health problems of obese child can be reversed once the child loses weight.

It's really not as hard as it may seem.  Encourage your kid to go outside and play, everyday, for at least 30 minutes.  Also getting rid of the fast food and processed food can help a lot.

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