Consequences of Childhood Obesity

Children who are overweight are being diagnosed with diseases traditionally seen only in the adult population. These adult diseases are being diagnosed in children at an alarming rate and include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and sleep apnea. The consequences of obesity seem to be the same regardless of age. Research is indicating that more than half of overweight children have at least one risk factor for heart disease. The chronic conditions that children are dealing with can greatly affect their health as adults and their long-term mortality. As many as 80% of obese adults report being overweight as children. The longterm impact of childhood obesity is one that affects children not only physically but also mentally. The number of children who are discriminated against or bullied by their peers because of their weight is growing. Overweight children are often ostracized by their peers for their weight, and the resulting stress can negatively affect their self-esteem, academics,rift gold and social skills. For some children, verbal abuse by their peers leads to an increase in eating as a coping strategy for the stress, which worsens the existing weight problem. The resulting decrease in self-esteem caused by the bullying and the excess overeating can place overweight children at a higher risk for anxiety and depression. The anxiety of knowing that they might be made fun of while at school can affect their ability to focus and perform well in the classroom. The cumulative psychological effect can be and is great for some children, creating a cycle of despair. The bullying, increased eating, and emotional turmoil place an undue amount of stress on a body that is already physically stressed out. The emotional stress can have physical consequences, raising blood pressure and blood sugar levels,rift gold and causing stomach and head complaints. The emotional scars tend to be the hardest to heal, but emotional and medical support are widely available to treat the mental and physical consequences of childhood obesity.