Diseases Caused by Obesity: Health Risks of Childhood Overweight
What Do "Overweight" and "Obesity" Mean in Childhood?
These terms refer to measurements calculated using the body mass index (BMI): the ratio of a person’s weight to their height. This calculation helps to estimate if someone (including a child) has excess body weight and how significant it is.
Children’s BMI is determined with WHO tables, such as this one:http://www.who.int/growthref/who2007_bmi_for_age/en/. If a child's BMI for their age and gender is above the 95th percentile, they are likely overweight. Above the 97th percentile indicates a high risk of obesity. BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles means a higher risk of gaining excess weight, so proactive measures should be taken.
Thus, overweight is abnormal fat accumulation for a child’s age and sex, while obesity means excessive fat deposits. Both present health risks now and in the future, and can impact a child’s social life.
Advice:
Take our unique Parenting Mentor Test to see if your child has a risk of obesity related to lifestyle, habits, upbringing, or relationships with family and peers. Based on the test results, you’ll get individual tips to help reduce the risk of inactivity, eating disorders, and weight gain.
What to Do If You Suspect a Problem?
BMI and the Parenting Mentor Test are the first steps in addressing a child's overweight. Next, consult a pediatrician or family doctor, who can confirm or rule out concerns. If risk factors or obesity are identified, your doctor may assess for related conditions (such as high blood pressure or cholesterol).
Is There a Problem with a Chubby Child?
Why do doctors worry about overweight and obesity in children and adolescents? Because these conditions affect quality of life now and carry serious health risks for the future.
A child’s body is still developing and needs significant resources. During certain times (like preschool age or adolescence), kids may get sick more often or experience temporary discomfort. Obesity forces their bodies to strain to meet growth needs as well as to handle the added stress of excess weight.
Children are not just small adults. They have their own ways of seeing the world and their own social circles, with unique rules and habits. Unfortunately, these environments are not always accepting, and children can sometimes be cruel.
Medical Problems:
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High blood pressure (hypertension).
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High cholesterol (LDL) and associated atherosclerosis.
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Increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
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Carbohydrate metabolism disorders, glucose intolerance.
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High risk of diabetes due to insulin resistance.
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Fatty liver disease.
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Diseases of the biliary tract.
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Gastroesophageal reflux (stomach contents entering the esophagus from high abdominal pressure).
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Respiratory disorders, increased risk of asthma.
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Flat feet, poor posture, and joint problems.
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Muscle pain.
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Bulimia.
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Anorexia.
Psychosocial Problems:
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Worries and anxiety about appearance.
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Low mood, depression.
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Poor self-esteem.
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Bullying.
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Self-stigmatization related to obesity.
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Poor quality of life due to many restrictions.
However, parents play the main role. They need to understand their responsibility for their children’s health, as their actions will determine the success of preventing and managing overweight or obesity in children and teens.