Childhood obesity needs to be addressed now

Childhood obesity needs to be addressed now

It's childhood obesity week, and we're all aware that this is currently a huge problem both int he UK and most of the world over.

Statistics reveal that 25 per cent of boys and 33 per cent of girls aged between two and 19 years are overweight or obese and there is little evidence to suggest that this number will soon be decreasing.

Obesity currently costs the country around £2 billion annually and shortens lives by nine years, due to associated health problems.

But, just what are the effects of chidhood obesity?

Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways. Obese children are more likely to have:

  • High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one CVD risk factor, and 39% had two or more.2
  • Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
  • Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, and asthma.
  • Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.
  • Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (i.e., heartburn).
  • Obese children and adolescents have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as discrimination and poor self-esteem, which can continue into adulthood.

But it's not just these that will affect them now, there are health risks that could effect them later in life too:

  • Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity is associated with a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
  • If children are overweight, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.

If you're worried your child is overweight, talk to your doctor and ask for help from a dietician. Avoid starting your child on an aggressive diet. Instead, make long-term changes to healthy eating for all the family, and get your child involved in sport or exercise.

It may also be worth taking to your child's school and see whether there is anything that can be done there.

Femalefirst Taryn Davies

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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