Childhood obesity has become a growing health concern, with 15
percent of children in the United States who are overweight.
In children as young as 7, carotid arteries, those responsible
for carrying blood to the head, are becoming thick and stiff. Studies
have shown children suffering from obesity are at the beginning
stages of coronary artery disease.
Children who are overweight have also displayed signs of insulin-resistance,
which puts them at a greater risk for developing diabetes.
A study was conducted in order to determine the health differences
between obese children and children of normal weight. They compared
100 overweight children to 47 normal weight children, all ranging
from ages 6-14.
Researchers Concluded:
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Obese children have higher blood cholesterol
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The average blood pressure for obese children reached 120/76,
compared to the average blood pressure for normal weight children
of 98/65
Parents and doctors need to support obese children in achieving
a healthy weight. By offering their aid, parents and doctors will
be able to prevent children from the risk factors associated with
childhood obesity.
Yahoo
News September 27, 2004
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