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Weight Loss Exercise

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity


There is a lot of concern over the growing rate of childhood obesity today.  In the United States, at least one child in every five is overweight or obese.  Genetic factors play a role but the primary causes of obesity are consumption of high-calorie foods and inadequate physical activity.

Due to the rising rate of obesity, weight-related diseases are becoming common among children and adolescents.  There are many health risks of childhood obesity, including the following.

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity

Type 2 Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease linked to childhood obesity.  An increasing number of overweight children and teenagers suffer from this medical condition.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three children in the United States will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

High Blood Pressure – Children who are obese or overweight are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, which can lead to other health risks such as heart disease.

Cardiovascular Disease – Overweight children often suffer from high cholesterol levels as well as high blood pressure.  These two medical conditions are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.  Hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis is linked to high cholesterol levels in the blood, and is the most common cause of heart disease.  It can begin as early as childhood in overweight children.

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity

Health Risks of Childhood Obesity

Breathing Problems – Other health risks associated with child obesity are asthma and sleep apnea.  A large number of overweight children suffer from asthma.  Obese children can also have trouble sleeping as a result of obstructive sleep apnea.  This is a serious breathing disorder wherein the sufferer’s breathing is briefly interrupted during sleep.  If left untreated, apnea can lead to heart failure.

Gallstones and Liver Problems – Children and teenagers who are obese are likely to have gallstones.  Obese children are also at risk of fatty liver disease and liver problems that could lead to cirrhosis.

Orthopedic and Other Complications – Excessive weight bearing down on the body can cause orthopedic and joint problems.  Obese children suffer more often from fractures, muscle problems, arthritis, joint pain and bone deformities.

Metabolic Syndrome – It is estimated that 25% to 40% of overweight children will develop metabolic syndrome that could lead to diabetes and heart ailments.  Metabolic syndrome linked to weight problems include high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abnormal lipid levels.

Future Health Risks – Child obesity carries health risks not only in the present but also in the future.  Children and teenagers who are overweight or obese are more likely to become obese adults.  Obesity in adults has a direct negative impact on their health and well-being.  In addition to increased cardiovascular risk, adults who are obese are more likely to suffer from diabetes and to develop certain forms of cancer.

What You Can Do Now

Childhood obesity is a serious health problem that should be dealt with as early as possible.  There are treatment options for obese children, such as diet and gastric bypass, but health professional believe that prevention is the best way to combat childhood obesity.  Parents should provide a balanced and healthy diet for their children.  They should also set a good example by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious foods, and encouraging their children to participate in regular physical activities.

 

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Weight Loss Exercise

Effects of Childhood Obesity



Childhood obesity rates are now at alarmingly high levels, with almost one out of five children and adolescents being obese.  This health concern does not bode well for society today, as scientists believe that the current generation of children may be the first to have a lifespan shorter than that of their parents.  High blood pressure, breathing problems, and type 2 diabetes are just a few of the negative effects of childhood obesity.

How is Obesity in Children Measured?

Body mass index is the best method to determine if an individual is obese or overweight.  In children, BMI is determined using the child’s height and weight.  The child’s weight status is determined using his or her age and sex.  The method is different from that used for adults because a child’s body composition varies with age, and between boys and girls.

Health Effects of Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children can have a number of harmful effects.  Children who are overweight or obese can suffer from:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol level
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Asthma
  • Dyspepsia or gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn)
  • Liver problems

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Many of the diseases mentioned above used to affect adults only, but with the increasing rates of childhood obesity more and more children now suffer from these diseases.  Obese children are likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes as a consequence of insulin resistance or insulin deficiency.

Obese children are also likely to have high cholesterol levels and hypertension (high blood pressure).  These medical disorders are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.  Likewise, obesity can cause breathing problems such as asthma or sleep apnea.  Overly obese children and adolescents can also suffer from metabolic disorders, liver disease, gallstones and joint problems.

Psychological and Emotional Effects of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can have damaging psychological and emotional effects on children who are at a vulnerable age.  Obese children are often teased and bullied by their peers, and can suffer from social discrimination and low self-esteem.  As a consequence, they may react by misbehaving or becoming anti-social.

In a society that places great importance on being thin, beautiful and athletic, obese children are often socially ostracized and bullied.  They can suffer from anxiety and as a result do poorly in school.

Health Risks in the Future

Obese children are more likely to grow into obese adults in the future.  In addition, they can also suffer from weight-related problems much sooner.  As a consequence of childhood obesity, people can have a heart attack as early as their 30′s or 40′s.  Childhood obesity also leads to diabetes as well as some forms of cancer in adults.

What You Can Do Now

The obesity rate is now at a level where it has become a major contributor to chronic disease and disability worldwide.  The level is highest in developed countries, where obesity is now recognized as a grave concern to public health.  A healthy and balanced diet can help control obesity.  Children must be encouraged to engage in regular exercise and physical activity.  The effects of childhood obesity are too serious to be ignored.  In severe cases, medical care may be required and treatments such as liposuction or stomach bypass surgery may have to be considered.

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Diet Pills

Natural appetite suppressant – they are safe?

Many diet pills herbal have a long history of use and of claimed health benefits. A herb or botanical, is a plant or part of a plant that is used for its aroma, flavor, and / or their therapeutic properties. Even if they are "natural" products made from plants are not necessarily safe or without harmful effects. They come from factories in May, but many plants are considered harmful and toxic.
  Unlike inhibitors of prescription appetite, most products based on plants are not tested to certify their safety before marketing. Their effectiveness is however drawn to their use for centuries. The active ingredients in many medicines and herbal supplements are still unknown or no clear understanding how they work.
  Some supplements herbal were found contaminated with metals, unlabeled drugs, microorganisms or other substances. This is where common sense come into use – order supplements herbal only reputable and well established manufacturers. They use sophisticated methods for extracting the active ingredients and laboratory tests for purity and efficacy of their products. This ensures the quality of the product.
  Like most products of plants are not clinically tested, they may cause some health problems. It may be unwise to make products based on plants if you have any of these medical problems / conditions:
  ? Hypertension
  ? Thyroid problems
  ? Parkinson's disease
  ? Problems with blood clotting
  ? Diabetes
  ? Heart disease
  ? Epilepsy
  ? Depression or psychiatric problems
  ? Liver problems
  ? Enlarged prostate gland
  ? Glaucoma
  ? A history of stroke or organ transplant
  Women who are pregnant or nursing should be especially cautious about using products made from plants, and people who are about to undergo surgery. Always check with your supplier of health care.
  It is also important to consult your doctor before using products based on plants if you are taking medications (whether prescription or nonprescription). Some products made from plants are known to interact with medications in order to May pose a risk to your health.
  The health risks associated with natural appetite suppressant, as most of them contain stimulants such as active ingredient. Ephedra was a popular herbal supplement until it was banned by the FDA because of potentially serious side effects. Another important group of pills herbal caffeine or caffeine-like substances (taurine and guarana). The main problem with them is that they are ineffective – have you heard of someone who has lost weight by drinking large quantities of coffee?
  All this is true for most natural appetite suppressant, but nevertheless there are some products that have proven their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Another well established natural product, which underwent detailed clinical trials Proactol. It acts primarily as a fat blocker, but also possess properties appetite suppression.
  It is clear that the appetite suppressant herbal can be dangerous if taken without making your research carefully. However, these supplements can be of great help when trying to lose weight and compared to anti-prescription appetite, they can save you big money, not to mention they are much more sure.