Today the facts show that an overweight toddler may be on the way to childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is a dangerous medical condition. Unchecked, it can contribute to or result in a whole host of life-threatening conditions.
- Brain
Depression and sleep disturbance are associated with obesity. Both these conditions pose tremendous risks for other health related illnesses and quality of life.
- Lungs
Obesity presents an increased risk for asthma and breathing difficulties. With excess abdominal fat it can be difficult to fully expand the lungs.
- Heart
Fatty plaque build-up in the blood vessels can result in increased blood pressure and overload the heart. Obese children are at higher risk for heart attacks.
- Digestive System
Obese children with increased abdominal fat experience more problems with abdominal pain, reflux disease and constipation.
- Orthopedic /Joint Disease
Obese children put too much pressure on the growth plates of their bones. This can result in misalignment, pain and early arthritis.
- Pancreas
The pancreas produces insulin to control the body's blood sugar. Consuming too much sugary food and drink can result in high insulin levels and the body becoming resistant to insulin with diabetes developing.
- Gallbladder
Dysfunctional gallbladders and gallstones are seen more commonly in obese children.
- Liver
Excess body fat can be deposited inside the liver cells, trigger inflammation and damage the liver cells. This is a slow process over time, but if started in childhood can lead to liver failure.
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