Obesity in children
What causes it?
Obesity is caused by two simple factors – an unhealthy diet (typically too rich in sugar and fats) and not doing enough exercise to burn off the calories consumed. Occasionally, there are other factors, for example in a rare genetic condition called Prader-Willi syndrome there may be problems with controlling hunger. Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome can also cause obesity.
What are its effects?
These include problems with the joints and bones (such as slipped femoral epiphysis and bow legs), a condition called benign intracranial hypertension that produces headaches and affects vision, hypoventilation (leading to drowsiness during the day, snoring and even heart failure), gall bladder disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats and diabetes.
There are also marked psychological effects leading to low self-esteem.
Who’s affected?
More and more children in the UK are becoming obese – it’s been described as a modern epidemic. Around 27 per cent of children are now overweight and research suggests the main problem is a continual reduction in the amount of exercise children take. Many overweight children have overweight parents – it’s often a matter of family lifestyles.
