Details & Health Consequences of
Severe Overweight in Children & Adolescents
Overweight and Obesity in Children
In 1999, 13 percent of children aged 6
to 11 years and 14 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in the United
States were overweight. In the past 20 years, the number of overweight
adolescents is up nearly 300 percent.
Risk factors for heart disease, such as
high cholesterol and high blood pressure, occur with increased frequency
in overweight children and adolescents compared to children with a healthy
weight.
Obesity and Diabetes in Children
Type 2 diabetes, associated with obesity
and previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically
in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked
to type 2 diabetes.
Of children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes,
85 percent are obese.
A recent study suggests one in four overweight
children is already showing early signs of Type 2 diabetes (impaired glucose
intolerance).
Overweight and Obesity in Childrens Family
Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent
chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80 percent
if one or more parent is overweight or obese.
Consequence of Obesity/Overweight for
Children
The most immediate consequence for children
of suffering from overweight or obesity is a low quality of life. According
to a recent study into adolescent and children overweight/obesity, children
rated their quality of life on a par with child cancer patients.
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