Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a very serious problem for many children and adolescents in the United States. A child becomes obese when they are significantly over the healthy weight for a person their age and build. Childhood obesity is very concerning because it starts kids off the wrong way, it causes kids to have health problems at a very young age. Not only can childhood obesity lead to serious health risks, but it can also lead to emotional problems such as depression.
There are many symptoms of obesity, such as difficulty sleeping, sleep apnea, excessive sweating, always being hot, back pains, fatigue, getting tired after little activities, and depression. Although obesity can sometimes be hereditary it is mostly caused by poor diets, and poor physical activity. It is important for families to monitor and plan healthy meals for their children. Parents also need to make sure that their kids get plenty of exercise because most children in the United States don’t get the recommended amount.
If your obese your much more likely to acquire serious health conditions such as many types of cancer, depression, gallbladder disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, or a have a stroke. If you see a doctor about this condition blood tests may be taken to determine if your child has diabetes, or any other health conditions, but most of the time they will refer you to a nutritionist where you will learn how to prepare healthy meals, and give your child the exercise they need to be in the best shape they can.