Other than the fact that an obese or overweight child faces self-esteem issues at school and with peers – there is a litany of health problems that obese children face. These risks could end up being serious, not only later in life, but also potentially as your child is still becoming an adolescent.
A fat or overweight child faces increasing risks of hyperlipidemia (too much fat in the blood, including high cholesterol); hypertension (high blood pressure, which can carry over into their adult lives and place great strain on their hearts); gastro-intestinal diseases (these diseases of the digestive tract could be harmful later in life, leading to potential cancer risks as an adult); and type-2 diabetes (more than 85% of people with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight).
Mental Risks for Obese Kids
Along with the physical risks, your child may also suffer from depression and withdrawal from social functions. Children are also more likely to continue bad habits once they become obese – from playing video games too much, to watching television and browsing the Internet instead of exercising or playing sports.
Metabolic syndrome is also an issue for kids who are overweight and obese. Once an obese child begins exercising, the metabolic syndrome could more easily be managed. Metabolic syndrome could be a contributing to other unhealthy conditions in an overweight child, including a five-fold risk for diabetes.
In order to manage all of these conditions, you should encourage your overweight kid to exercise, spend more time outside, do physical chores, or join a sport.