The percentage of children who are overweight has more than doubled, and among adolescents the rates have more than tripled since 1980. Nineteen percent of children 6 to 11 years old and 17 percent of those 12 to 19 are overweight. Overweight is a risk factor for health conditions such as diabetes and is associated with problems such as poor self-esteem.
Now, it is concluded that the heart is damaged as a result of being overweight or obese. A team was assigned to review all children between 10 and 18 who had any signs of heart troubles, such as murmurs, pain, acid reflux or high cholesterol. Twenty percent of these children were obese, and 12 percent were overweight (therefore, at risk for obesity).
As the body-mass index (weight vs height) increased, the heart showed increasing changes in the way it moved. In the past, when this was seen in adults who were obese, it was assumed to be due to long-time strain. Now, we know that obesity is the contributing factor.
The good news is that schools and parents can help kids adopt healthy eating and physical activity behaviors that are the keys to preventing obesity. During school years, these kids are what is termed ‘captive’ audiences, so it is easier to change lifestyles of eating, nutrition and physical activity, than in any other period of their lives.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/healthtopics/connect.htm
NBC6 News: Obese Kids Shows Signs Of Heart Trouble
Changes Not From Long-Term Strain As Thought, October 19, 2007
http://www.nbc6.net/health/14369284/detail.html?rss=ami&psp=health
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