By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN

Childhood Obesity: It’s a Serious Issue

The incidence of childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate. The increased rate of child obesity means that other obesity-related chronic diseases are becoming more common in America’s children and teenagers. Children who are overweight tend to grow up into adults who are overweight.

Over the years, this increases their risk of developing medical problems with child obesity such as heart attack and stroke, Type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer, and high blood pressure. Being overweight as a child can also cause psychological distress. Children and adolescence who are teased or discriminated against as a result of their appearance tend to have less confidence and lower self-esteem. This can lead to isolation and depression, which in turn may further aggravate weight gain issues.

Medical Problems with Child Obesity

The medical problems associated with child obesity include such conditions as asthma, Type 2 diabetes, gallstones, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disorders, menstrual problems, metabolic syndrome, and sleep disorders.

• Asthma: Asthma is just one of the medical problems with child obesity. Overweight and obese children are at a greater risk for developing asthma than their peers. New studies also show that children with asthma symptoms are more likely to have problems with behavior than children without chronic respiratory problems. The stress of dealing with asthma can lead to behavior issues, such as being nervous and having trouble focusing on tasks. All of these behavior problems can interfere with learning.
• Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes was once a condition that only affected adults. However, this condition has become increasingly prevalent among overweight children and adolescents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now estimate that one in three children born in the United States will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
• Gallstones: The gallbladder is filled with a liquid called bile that is used to help the body digest fats. Gallstones form when this bile hardens into pieces of stone-like material. The risk of developing gallstones is significantly higher in those who are obese.
• Heart Disease: Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart disease, and it can begin as early as childhood and adolescence. It’s the process in which deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up along the inner lining of an artery. This buildup, called plaque, affects both large and medium-sized arteries. Atherosclerosis is related to high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are associated with poor eating habits and overweight.
• High Blood Pressure: Overweight children are more likely to have high blood pressure than their peers. High blood pressure places a great deal of strain on the heart.
• Liver Problems: Obese and overweight children have a greater risk for developing a liver problem called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This disorder can be severe and can lead to cirrhosis, in which the liver is permanently damaged and scarred and no longer able to work properly.
• Menstrual Problems: Young girls that are overweight or obese may reach puberty at an earlier age than their peers. Obesity may also contribute to the development of uterine fibroids or other menstrual irregularities later in life.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Between 25% and 40% of children who are overweight or obese suffer from the metabolic syndrome which leads to other medical problems associated with childhood obesity, such as diabetes and heart problems.
• Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders are another one of the medical concerns connected with child obesity. Children who are overweight may develop a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea that is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. Over a long period of time, this type of sleep apnea can lead to heart failure.

Preventing Childhood Obesity

Children have high energy requirements because they are growing. A varied and nutritious diet is essential for their development. However, like adults, if they take in more energy in the form of food than they use up, the extra energy is stored in their bodies as fat. The best method for avoiding the medical problems associated with child obesity is to teach children how to eat a healthy diet and increase their level of daily activity.