Childhood Obesity Causes Diabetes and Other Health Problems

Much more than an aesthetic issue, childhood obesity is a major health problem. A growing wave of obesity among children is helping fuel a parallel epidemic in the rate of diabetes.

In the last two decades, the incidence of obesity among adults and children has risen nearly 50 percent. As defined by federal standards, approximately 30 percent of adults and 25 percent of children are considered obese today.

"We know that obesity in children has a carry-over effect to adulthood," says Ramin Alemzadeh, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is medical director of the diabetes program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, an affiliate of MCW. "The concern we have with obesity is that there's a parallel increase in diabetes, particularly type-2 or so-called non-insulin-dependent diabetes."

Obesity can complicate the treatment and management of diabetes and can even lead to the body developing a resistance to insulin.

But diabetes is not the only issue related to childhood obesity. Obese children may have greater difficulty with high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, orthopaedic problems, sleeping habits, as well as self-esteem and peer relationships. Dr. Alemzadeh cites studies indicating that adults who were obese children are less likely to earn as much as people with ideal weight, and are less likely to marry or get a higher education. Poor performance in school by obese children and even symptoms of attention deficit disorder may be related to sleeping difficulties.

Ironically, while the amount of fat in the average American diet has decreased in recent years, the incidence of obesity is still on the rise. People too often replace fat with high-density carbohydrates, starches and sugar. If a meal is accompanied by too little protein and fat, the stomach empties quickly and cravings soon begin.

It's best to assess the various causes of a child's weight problem, whether it be genetic, metabolic, environmental or nutritional, and treat both the medical and emotional factors.

For example, diet plans for children should be accompanied by exercise plans, plus long-term follow-up and counseling for the best results.

"Shunting a child off to a dietitian for meal plans and telling him or her to get more exercise isn't a viable approach without follow-up to head off frustration if results are not immediate," Dr. Alemzadeh says.

If you have problems with severe obesity or complications from obesity or diabetes, please contact your primary care physician who can refer you to additional resources, if necessary.

MCW Health News presents up-to-date information on patient care and medical research by the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.