Health Risks of Overweight Children

The increased rate of obesity means that obesity-related chronic diseases are becoming common in children and teenagers. Being overweight increases a child's risk for a number of diseases and conditions, including:

• Asthma -- A large number of children that are overweight have asthma.

• Diabetes -- Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult onset diabetes, has become increasingly prevalent among overweight children and adolescents. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that one in three American children born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

• Gallstones -- The incidence of gallstones is significantly higher in those who are obese.

• Heart Disease -- Early indicators of atherosclerosis, the most common cause of heart disease, begin as early as childhood and adolescence in children with risk factors. Atherosclerosis is related to high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are associated with poor eating habits and overweight.

• High Blood Pressure -- Overweight children are more likely to have high blood pressure that can strain the heart.

• Liver Problems -- People who are obese are at higher risk for a liver problem called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to cirrhosis.

• Menstrual Problems -- Being overweight may cause a girl to reach puberty at an earlier age. Also, obesity may contribute to uterine fibroids or menstrual irregularities later in life.

• Trouble Sleeping -- Children who are overweight are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, which is a serious, potentially life-threatening breathing disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. This can over a long period of time, lead to heart failure.