Consequences of Childhood Obesity

Does obesity in childhood and adolescence matter?

Although the immediate medical risks of being overweight as a child are small, overweight and obesity in children does matter. Obesity has become such a problem for children and young people in the UK, that it is now a common condition, and is responsible for significant clinical, psychological and social problems.

Children are at significantly higher risk of serious illnesses in adult life, such as heart disease and diabetes. They can become introverted, depressed and de-motivated and they can be the subject of bullying and prejudice in childhood, adolescence and, indeed, adulthood.

The number of overweight and obese children has increased rapidly over the past few decades. It is estimated that, in the United Kingdom, around 300,000 children under the age of 16 years are obese and risk serious health problems because of excess weight, with more the 60% of overweight children have a least one cardiovascular risk factor.

Children learn from their parents and it is essential that any planned changes to either a child's eating or physical activity patterns have parental support. Parents are the ultimate role models.

Essentially, parents need to change their habits too, because if a child is to eat more healthily and become more active, then it is likely that the whole family need a new outlook on life.