What are the dangers of youth obesity?

Many people underestimate the risk of youth obesity and rationalize that diseases commonly associated with obesity such as heart disease are relatively rare in children. In fact, however, children are exposed to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure problems, and other weight -related diseases compared to peers of normal weight. Moreover, obese children are likely to continue the same lifestyle habits and remain obese as adults, impairing the risk of developing health problems.

Youth obesity is usually measured by body weight index (BMI), which is a number that is calculated by dividing the child's weight in kilograms heights in meters on the other. Since men and women grow differently and are expected to have different body matter, BMI, which is considered “normal” for children, depends on the sex and age of the child. BMI measurement is then compared with percentiles set centers for control of diseases and prevention (CDC),To determine whether the child is considered obese. CDC qualifies children with BMI greater than 95. Percentil as obese. The percentage of overweight and obese children is constantly increasing.

In addition to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and hypertension, obese children are also susceptible to apnea and joints or bone problems due to the overweight that the growing body must carry. Although these diseases are most often associated with adults, parents or guardians of obese children should not underestimate the risks of youth obesity. Being obese in childhood increases the chances that the child will hit puberty at earlier age or develops respiratory problems such as asthma. Although the problem of weight does not adversely affects the child, it does not lose overweight from adulthood and drastically change the lifestyle of the individual at a very high risk of developing health problems.

Problems

psychological and self -confidence are also more likely to affectIndividuals who were overweight as children probably because of teasing and social stigma associated with the obesity of youth. Sometimes these teasing and discrimination come not only from peers, but also from the child's family, which leads to a very unhealthy home environment. This can lead to a child to develop serious uncertainty and may become depressed. Learning unhealthy eating and exercise habits at home can lead to overweight or obese child developing eating disorder in an effort to compensate and lose weight.