Child obesity has become a global epidemic. While the number of obese people is growing, serious obesity risks are becoming rampant as well. The more overweight a child is, the more he or she is at risk of a variety of diseases that accompanies obesity. This is an issue that we must address as a society, because child obesity does not have any prejudice. Race, religion, creed, age, gender, or status is not an issue with regards to obesity and child obesity risks.
Any child is at risk of becoming obese, especially with the lifestyle that many of us are accustomed to. Video games, television, and ready-to-eat meals do not help in preventing obesity and the child obesity risks. There are three kinds of child obesity, mild obesity which has a body mass index of 30+, morbid obesity (has a BMI of 40+), and malignant obesity (BMI of 50+). The risks can vary from each stage.
There is also abdominal obesity that presents more serious health risks. Children with central or abdominal obesity are the ones who appear apple-shaped. This is because of the fat concentrated around the waist and abdominal region. Children who suffer from this type of obesity have a higher risk of contracting diseases that are weight related. Cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome have abdominal obesity as a main symptom and is one of the obesity risks.
Increased risk of premature death relating to obesity is also among the child obesity risks. The risk of death rises as the weight of the child increases. Studies show that an overweight child has a 50 to 100% chance of dying prematurely from any of the causes related to obesity. It is also believed that obese individuals are at risk of heart disease. Heart attacks, congestive heart failure, angina or chest pains, and sudden cardiac death are more commonly found in obese or overweight people.
High blood pressure or hypertension can also be one of the obesity risks. In fact, adults who are obese are more likely to have high blood pressure compared to adults in a healthy weight range. This is because of high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, which is commonly associated with obesity.
Obesity risks may also include atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries that can lead to the creation of major blood clots, which can then cause a stroke. The development of atherosclerosis is sped up by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a non-active lifestyle or lack of exercise. Obesity has all of these factors, with the exception of smoking, because not all obese individuals are smokers. Hence, stroke is now one of the obesity risks.
