Childhood Obesity

What are the risks associated with children and adolescents being overweight or obese?

Health risks can include but not be limited to:

• Increased incidence of disease and mortality rate in later life
• Shortness of breath and/or asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Skin rashes and diseases (heat rash and intertrigo etc.)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Orthopedic problems (limb and joint stress etc.)
• Clinical Depression

Other dangers can include but are not limited to:

• Decreased mobility and flexibility
• Eating Disorders
• Stigmatization
• Low self-esteem
• Withdrawal from peers and family
• Suicide
• Poor school performance
• Lack of concentration
• Often misdiagnosed with other conditions
• Decreased physical coordination