It's fairly common knowledge that being overweight or obese is unhealthy. But many people think that any diseases caused by obesity take years or even decades to become a problem. This is untrue.
There has been a recent rise in type 2 diabetes, and it has not only affected the adult population. Obese children are also developing diabetes, usually between the ages of 12 and 14. Unfortunately, most of these new cases deal with type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes causes the body to attack the pancreas, which produces insulin, a protein that regulates cholesterol and fat metabolism. As a result, no insulin is produced, so people with this disease must inject themselves with insulin regularly to avoid high blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes is not preventable.
Type 2 diabetes, however, is preventable. People who are overweight are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, which causes insulin to function improperly. This can be managed with diet, exercise, and possibly insulin injections, but the unfortunate part is that it can actually promote weight gain, making it more difficult for people with this condition to lose the weight that is contributing to their disease in the first place.
Obesity in children also affects the respiratory system, according to studies. Overweight children frequently develop breathing problems like asthma or sleep apnea. Asthma is characterized by difficulty breathing, including coughing, wheezing, and tightness of the chest. Children have to use steroid inhalers to breathe properly, making daily life difficult. Sleep apnea can cause a person to stop breathing for up to 10 seconds while asleep.
Children with a higher body fat percentage are more at risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease as early as young adulthood. Their hearts also tend to beat more quickly, and they can develop serious heart abnormalities that require medical attention during childhood.
Blount's disease, in which one or both tibia bend, is another possible effect of obesity in children. Bowlegs tend to straighten with time, but Blount's tends to worsen with time. A child with Blount's disease may have to wear leg braces and/or undergo surgery to correct the problem, and even after surgery, there is a chance of recurrence.
These are the most common and serious health effects associated with childhood obesity, but there are many more that can cause lasting damage. If your child is overweight or obese, be sure to schedule regular medical check-ups and begin helping him or her to lose weight and lead a healthier, happier life.
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