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.3
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, and asthma.4,5
- Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.4,6
- Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (i.e., heartburn).3,4
- 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.3,7,8
Health risks later
- Obese children are more likely to become obese adults.9, 10, 11 Adult obesity is associated with a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.12
- If children are overweight, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe. source:www.cdc.gov
