Effects Of Childhood Obesity Include Adult Prediabetes, Artery Damage
An analysis of data from 18 studies showed that damage to the body from childhood obesity increased the likelihood of pre-diabetes, and cardiovascular problems later in life.
Researchers at the University of Surrey looked at the body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness, and waist circumference of more than 300,000 children. They compared the measurements with assessments done on the same individuals an average of 25 years later.
The study results indicated that obesity in childhood predisposed individuals to both pre-diabetes and a thickening of the arteries in adulthood. Pre-diabetes is frequently a precursor to type 2 diabetes, and artery thickening is a risk factor for heart disease. Childhood BMI was also an indicator for adult high blood pressure, another risk factor for cardiovascular conditions.
Since the 1970s, the percentage of kids with obesity in the U.S. has more than tripled. Approximately one out of five school-aged children is considered obese. Beside predisposing themselves to future health problems, children with obesity have increased chances of chronic health conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone, and joint issues, plus early onset type 2 diabetes, or heart disease.
There are also lasting psychological effects associated with childhood obesity including low self-esteem, negative body image, anxiety, and depression.
“It is worrying that obesity is becoming endemic in our society,” said lead study author Martin Whyte, from the University of Surrey.” The adverse effects of adult obesity are well known but what we have found is that obesity in childhood can cause lasting arterial damage which could potentially lead to life threatening illness. This is something that we need to address to protect adult health…“
Sources: University of Surrey; CDC; American Heart Association
Photo credit: Gaulsstin
More Articles
With its slightly nutty flavor, chewy texture, and nutritional punch farro is an ancient whole grain worth a place in our pantry.
Farro...
Having diabetes is cause for concern, however it doesn’t mean that you need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet completely....
With diabetes becoming more of an epidemic each and every day, being knowledgeable about the disease, its effects on the body as well as ways to...
If you’re a diabetic or live with one, it can be tough trying to figure out the best foods to eat because your priority is to control your blood...
In this post, I will show you the 10 best ice creams for diabetics.
When you think of sweetened foods that a diabetic shouldn’t consume,...
More Articles
If you’re living with diabetes, snacking is a necessity because going for more than 3-4 hours without eating can be detrimental to your health....
For diabetics, choosing healthy snacks can be a daunting task.
A good rule of thumb is to pick out snacks that are rich in protein, fiber,...
According to information available through the National Institutes of Health, there’s an estimated 462 million people in the world who are...
Eleven Clinical Studies
After eleven clinical studies and 300,000 participants, researcher Vasanti Malik and her team of researchers...
Diabetic women often have a harder time losing weight than non-diabetic women. A study funded by Jenny Craig proved that diabetic women have an...
Many recent studies have proved that magnesium levels are lower in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics. This magnesium...
Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a problem that affects many diabetics, especially those with type 2 diabetes...
Some of us might be thrilled if we could manage our blood sugar by sitting in a hot tub or sauna, instead of working up a sweat biking, or using...
Cooking and baking with the ancient cereal grain sorghum has health benefits for people with diabetes, and those with weight control issues....
When it comes to certain foods, there are always questions as to whether or not a diabetic can have them without...
Matcha tea is a rich, creamy, full-bodied beverage with amazing nutritional properties that address several diabetes health concerns.
The...
Salads are good example of foods that type 2 diabetics can enjoy with relatively low guilt. With the right greens and other elements added, salad...
Remaining gainfully employed is important to many people. Those who live with any form of diabetes may find that some lines of work are more...
Learning that you have diabetes does mean making some lifestyle changes. One of the areas that needs attention is your diet. Most people find that...
One of the more challenging aspects of life as a type 2 diabetic is managing your diet. There’s often the temptation to avoid certain foods...