Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in some states, and news sources are often reporting the dire consequences of being overweight. How is childhood obesity affecting kids today? It has been linked to joint problems, diabetes, and low self esteem.
Excessive weight can harm the cartilage, tendons, and growth plate in the hips, knees, and ankles of a growing child. For every pound of extra weight a child carries, there is additional six pounds of pressure applied to the joints. This, coupled with the demands of gym classes and sports, can cause severe joint damage that usually cannot be repaired until the child reaches their adult height. If the obesity continues into adulthood, many orthopedic surgeons will refuse to operate, leaving the damage to simply grow worse with age. The pain may become so great that exercise becomes impossible, which only exacerbates the weight issue.
The body’s ability to regulate insulin is also impaired by obesity. Diabetes is a real threat for anyone who is obese, and it is cropping up with disturbing regularity in overweight children. Combined with sugary snacks and a diet overloaded with carbohydrates, the liver cannot produce insulin in sufficient quantities to compensate. While this can sometimes be combated with weight loss and controlled diet, it is not always able to be fully reversed.
Finally, being obese can cause low self-esteem. As many pre-pubescent and teen-aged children and very thin and fit, overweight children can feel ostracized. They may also see the media’s perception of beauty as proof that they are not normal or worthy of friendship or love. Hurtful words from others can cause their self-worth to plummet.
Obesity is a rising concern in today’s youth. Not only is it a danger to a child’s health, but to their fragile sense of self-esteem.