"In parallel to the increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity, diseases previously only seen in the adult population are beginning to present in children and young people" (Laing, 2002).



There are a number of physical and mental consequences associated with childhood obesity, which can manifest immediatley or later in life.


Physical Consequences
  • Type 2 Diabetes mellitus
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Heart diease
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Sleep apnea
  • Asthma
  • Osteoarthritis and orthopedic problems such as chronic ankle sprains
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disorder
    (Philippas & Lo, 2005).


    * Particularly, type 2 diabetes has been the predominant health complication associated with childhood obesity. A study has shown that type 2 diabetes mellitus among obese children has increased 10-fold in the past 20 years (Cochran, Walters & Losek, 2006).


    Psychological Consequences
  • Eating disorder
  • Poor self-esteem
  • Body image disorder
  • Social isolation
  • Depression
    (DeVille-Almond,2005).



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    • Webpage created by Chrystalle Alejandria (2007)