Childhood Obesity Effects On Population
The childhood obesity effects can be seen at both physical and psychological levels and so it is a difficult disease to cope with for children. According to the Childhood Obesity Statistics, one in five children or adolescents is overweight or obese and the numbers are still increasing. Obesity in children is an acute concern of today’s society and different measures have been taken in order to prevent this disease. Whether these measures have been effective or not, it is still a question to debate.
The long term effects of childhood obesity are visible especially in what concerns the health of these children. The impact that obesity has on children medically speaking are very similar to the one seen in adults. Regardless the emotional effects of childhood obesity which have a great impact on the child’s psychological estate, most of the children who are overweight or obese have higher risks to develop high cholesterol levels, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, the metabolic syndrome and also sleep apnea. The more overweight a child is the more chance he or she has to develop a heart condition. Although being overweight or obese is a risk factor for heart diseases in adults is not very clear if it also counts for children. Especially if the child loses weight during adulthood, the specialists are not very sure in what manner the obesity he or she suffered from during childhood will result in a risk factor for heart illnesses.
Still, what is more worrying about childhood obesity is that most of the children who are obese tend to remain obese for the rest of their lives. The statistics estimate that over 70% from obese children remain obese during their adulthood. Most common diseases associated with childhood obesity that has persisted to adulthood are fatty liver, hyperlipidimia, hypertension and diabetes.
The physical effects of obesity in children can be taken care of by making sure that your child is having an adequate diet. But on the other hand, children may have to cope with the psychological effects of childhood obesity. They still have to go to school and in other public places where usually there is social discrimination. According to a study the severely obese children recorded very low life quality score, moreover as low as children undergoing chemotherapy for curing cancer. The mental and emotional effects of childhood obesity tend to be medium to long term and they have indeed a great impact on the children’s social well-being.
As a short term effect of obesity on children we can mention a low self-esteem, loneliness and feeling isolated. The degree in which the emotional effects of obesity are visible on children depends on the environment. Thus, obese or overweight children may feel less socially discriminated and have a higher self-esteem when they come from families in which other members are obese as well.
Although it can have great impacts on the child’s life both in childhood and in adulthood, obesity can be taken care of and at least kept under control. The childhood obesity effects can be avoided especially in long term if the disease is treated as soon as possible and if the parents make sure that their children are following healthy diets and are physically active.