“If you can dream it, you can do it.” ---Walt Disney
Did you know…that obesity now affects 1 in 6 children and
adolescents in the United States? With
physical and psychological consequences that can affect a child for their
lifetime, we cannot be complacent. Being
obese as a child increases the likelihood of being obese as an adult. We cannot turn away when we see children in our communities who are obese and pretend as though
everything is OK.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention*,
obesity during childhood can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of
ways. Children who are
obese have a greater risk of:
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and 39% had two or more.
- Increased risk of impaired glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea and asthma.
- Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.
- Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (i.e., heartburn).
- Psychological stress such as depression, behavioral problems, and issues in school.
- Low self-esteem and low self-reported quality of life.
- Impaired social, physical, and emotional functioning.
The health of all children matters. We can, and must, reverse the
childhood obesity epidemic. The health –
and lives – of children is at stake.
Ready to make some dreams come true?
In gratitude,
Nancy Heinrich
Founder, Growing Healthy Kids, Inc.
*To learn more about childhood obesity, go to www.cdc.gov or
click here.
