Health risks in obese kids

Overweight children are more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke before they reach 65 than slimmer youngsters. Diseases previously seen only in adults are now being diagnosed in overweight children, who are likely to also be overweight or obese as adults. Researchers from the Geneva-based World Heart Federation found that overweight and obese children bear near-term risks of developing type 2 diabetes, ill health, heart attack or stroke before they are 65.

Unhealthy lifestyles including high-calorie diets, dwindling exercise and hours spent in front of the television or computer have contributed to a surge in childhood obesity. Linking heart disease in overweight children and by showing how poor diet and lack of exercise in youth contribute to it, people might be shocked into doing something about it. An estimated 10 per cent of children, or at least 155 million youngsters worldwide, are overweight or obese.

We must protect children from an environment that leads to heart disease by teaching life-long healthy eating habits and limiting exposure to unhealthy food. Parents, children and adolescents do not fully realize that the habits adopted at a young age could lead to health problems in adulthood.
The researchers have suggested a revamp of nutrition in schools, including a rethink of what is served in cafeterias. Policy makers also need to increase physical activities in schools.

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