‘Type 2 diabetes’

Obesity in Children

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Obesity in Children

In the past two decades, the number of overweight children has increased dramatically. Common diseases are found in middle-aged adults, such as type 2 diabetes, gallstones and liver failure, are now common in children. These children, aging prematurely, are showing symptoms of hypertension, breathing disorders, sleep problems and bone and joint complications.

Over a third (34 percent) of children in the U.S. and ages 6 to 19 are overweight, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. These children are at greater risk of developing heart disease and cancer. Obesity in adulthood may be more severe weight problems before age 8. Type 2 diabetes (formerly known as adult diabetes) accounts for up to 45 percent of new diagnoses of diabetes in children and adolescents. And, unlike juvenile diabetes (type 1), type 2 diabetes is associated with weight. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Childhood Obesity | No Comments »