Obese kids have heart disease

The news this morning was grim:  Obese kids age 13 were tested and already have plaque in their arteries.  Let that sink in: 13 years old!  We now know that this build-up of plaque clogs arteries and can break off to cause a stroke.  These obese kids already have the arteries that were formerly seen only in 40 year-olds and older.   If nothing changes for them, the obese kids will not only die early, but they will be cheated out of a life of freedom.  Obese kids live in bondage to poor self-image, social isolation, shortness of breath, restricted movement, diabetes, joint pain, heart disease and host of other aliments.  And today, one in five preschoolers is already obese.

I think most people know the devastating effects of heart disease.  But, obesity also increases the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes.  The Mayo Clinic Newsletter warns us that type 2 diabetes can cause: nerve damage throughout the body, which can leads to tingling or numbness and even loss of all sense of feeling in affected areas; eye damage, including a higher risk of cataracts, glaucoma and blindness; kidney disease of failure; heart disease; stroke; foot damage caused by poor blood flow to the feet, potentially resulting in serious infections; skin disorders, such as bacterial infections; mouth conditions, including gum infections; stomach muscle dysfunction that interferes with digestion, causes nauseaand vomiting, and negatively affects blood sugar levels.  Some studies also suggest that poorly controlled diabetes can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and depression.  The effects of type 2 diabetes are not as well known as heart disease, but they are just as scary.      

The good news is that both of these devastating diseases can be largely prevented.  Whether adults want to face it or not childhood obesity is our fault.  In order to be obese, kids have to consume more calories than they expend – it is a simple formula.  Parents have sole control over the lifestyles of their children until the kids are old enough to have some autonomy – usually late elementary school.  Parents are the ones who can instill healthy habits of eating and exercise in these early years that will endure for a lifetime.  Take heart that it is never too late - we can do something about childhood obesity.  And, we MUST do something about it.  Obese kids will not achieve a healthy weight on their own, and they won’t do it by accident.  Parents must craft a strategic plan and execute it relentlessly.   Bravo to the state of Georgia which has recently approved a measure that will require students to undergo an annual physical fitness assessment.   This is a tool that can educate parents regarding target fitness levels and the possible need to increase activity.

If your child were dying of cancer or any other disease, wouldn’t you do everything in your power to save them?  Well, obese children, ARE dying.  Oh, it is a slower death than some other diseases, but it they are dying at an accelerated rate just the same. 

“The Biggest Loser” television show is a little cheesy but what I love about it is that it helps people realize that they really CAN take control over their weight and destiny.  We are not victims.  Losing weight and getting fit is hard work, to be sure, but it can be done.  It is exciting to see the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” make progress and experience joy in new-found freedom.  And, I think EVERY contestant would say that the result is worth the work.

There is lots of information available on weight loss and exercise, and a host of resources in every community.  Getting started is the hardest part.  But, if you can start and persevere every day for a month, it will become easier - and you will see some encouraging results.  Work at it as if your life depends on it, because it does!  You CAN do it – get started today!  When you build a healthy lifestyle for you and your family you will certainly look better on the outside, but even more importantly you will be building a healthier body on the inside.  It is a gift worth giving!

News just in – obesity poses a risk even earlier in life!  Health problems are now evident as early as 3 years old.  Please read this article to learn more.