According to the CDC (2015), the health stressor of being an obese child is an increased risk of breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, according to the CDC, children who are obese have a much higher risk to be obese as adults (CDC, 2015). Type 2 diabetes commonly occurs because obesity can cause resistance to insulin, and decrease the regulation of blood sugar. So, the blood sugar becomes elevated if a child is overweight. Thus, it’s increasing the risk of diabetes. (CDC, 2015)
Other Health Stressors are
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease
- Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort
- Fatty liver disease, gallstones and gastro-esophageal reflux ( heartburn)
- Obese children and adolescents have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as discrimination and poor self-esteem, which can continue into adulthood
Health Risks Later
- Obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Adult obesity is associated with a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes and some cancers
- If children are overweight, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe
