The following are some of the problems that can be caused by being very overweight:
-
There can be problems with getting on with other children. Many of these children are teased or bullied by others and so their childhood can be unhappy.
-
In the primary school years children's self esteem is partly related to how they get on with others so sometimes being overweight can cause children to feel badly about themselves.
-
Often being overweight can continue into adulthood and cause other health problems.
-
Less common problems (in childhood) can be diabetes or high blood pressure.
-
Some overweight older children and young people can develop eating problems (including inappropriate dieting and occasionally eating disorders) as they try to control their weight.
Causes
The causes of being overweight in childhood are mixed.
-
A large part of the cause is due to what the child inherits (25-75%). The way the body controls energy, uses up fats and feels hungry is different for different people. Some different cultural groups are more likely to be overweight.
-
Part of the cause is also in the way children live and what they do. They are more likely to be overweight if they do not get much exercise and if they eat a lot of foods that are high in fats.
-
Television watching is related to overweight problems because
-
children don't use much body energy when they are watching
-
they often watch instead of more active play
-
they are likely to have snacks while watching.
-
On top of this they see a lot of food advertisements leading them to want foods that are not good for their health and weight.
So being overweight (obesity) comes both because of the way the child's body works and the way the child lives.
Increasing overweight and obesity is happening world wide. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have health problems. Helping young children to develop good eating patterns and enjoyment from sport and exercise may help them avoid later health problems.
Soft drinks
-
Drinks that are sweetened with sugar, such as soft drinks and fruit juices, can help to cause children's weight problems.
-
Children drink many more soft drinks now than in the past.
-
Soft drinks often contain more sugar than is healthy for children's food needs. They also "fill children up" so they don't feel like eating healthy foods.
