The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Obesity

About 19.7% of American children and teens are obese, a medical condition defined as having too much body fat for their age and weight. Obesity can affect your child’s ability to play, make friends, and lead an active life, but it can also have lasting impacts on their overall health.

At Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, our experienced pediatricians specialize in treating childhood obesity. In this blog, we explain why childhood obesity increases the risk of health complications and what you can do to help.

Why does childhood obesity increase the risk of health complications?

Childhood obesity increases the risk of health complications because excess fat strains the body and makes its systems work harder to function. For example, additional body weight places pressure on the joints, contributing to joint stress and degeneration. It also raises the heart’s workload, which can elevate the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

3 potential effects of not treating childhood obesity

Children and teens are less likely to experience complications in the short term, but if obesity isn’t addressed early, it can set the stage for more long-term issues, including:

1. Heart disease

The larger a body is, the harder the heart has to work to pump blood. This strain on the cardiovascular system increases the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.

One study found that children with high body mass indexes (BMI) were 40% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease as adults. Additionally, the study concluded that obese children with high blood pressure and high cholesterol were nearly nine times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke later in life.

2. Diabetes

Obesity increases the risk of insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps move blood sugar (glucose) into cells for energy. However, when cells become resistant to insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, which can lead to diabetes.

Diabetes is a group of diseases that cause high blood sugar, increasing the risk of complications, like nerve damage and high blood pressure. Although there’s no cure, diabetes can be managed with proper care.

Research shows that obese children are four times more likely to develop diabetes, making early intervention critical. Healthy lifestyle changes, such as adopting a diabetes diet and exercising regularly, can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

3. Poor mental health

Carrying extra weight takes a toll on your child’s physical health, but there’s a mental toll, too. Consider that obese children are 32% more likely to have depression compared to peers of a healthier weight. 

Over time, depression can damage confidence and self-esteem. This may lead to social anxiety, affecting your child’s ability to make friends and form romantic relationships later in life.

How childhood obesity is treated

The good news is that childhood obesity isn’t necessarily permanent. Encouraging your child to make certain lifestyle changes can help them feel their best and achieve a healthier weight. Every childhood obesity treatment plan is different, but we typically recommend:

• Eating healthier
• Getting at least an hour of daily activity, like cycling or going to the park to play
• Keeping a regular sleep schedule
• Limiting screen time

Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, but if your whole family is involved, your child is more likely to adopt our suggestions and stick with their treatment plan.

We can help your child achieve a healthier weight

If you’re worried about your child’s weight, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with our caring team. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Call the office or use the online booking feature to make an appointment.