The Plethora of Dangers Involved in Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity has been rising continuously in the US–something that has been confusing and surprising professionals from all fields. It doesn’t help that almost all solid food sold in the US contains a bunch of high fructose corn syrup. But that can keep for another time. Obese children sometimes seem like they’ve never had an honest chance at life and this feels like a sad testimony about our culture. These kids are already suffering the numerous consequences from arthritis and constant joint and back pain to Type II diabetes and the worst verbal treatment by their class peers. There is more to think about in terms of this sad state of affairs and we’ll talk about some of that in the following paragraphs.
Yes, we mentioned Type II diabetes because it is right up there as a real possibility for obese children, teens and adults. Of course it does seem to make a certain amount of sense that it would develop. This specific kind of diabetes is different than Type I because it can be prevented sometimes. Prolonged sedentary living and weight issues like obesity are two of the leading contributors to developing this disease. What happens, at least for those who are obese, is that the weight puts an added demand for insulin on the body. There is obviously an much greater amount that has to receive it. Then, in time the body simply becomes resistant to insulin and Type II occurs. Young girls who have gotten past puberty are also at risk for gender specific obesity-related issues. For example, menstrual irregularities are not unusual in obese girls and women. This is a problem because the body has lots of interference in its normal hormone production. The larger effect is to cause all kinds of problems with the girl’s menstrual cycle. The obese condition causes the females to become predisposed to this happening. Obese women who suffer from particularly heightened hormonal interference can even become sterile. From there you have to wonder what other female bodily processes can be harmed when there is this level of hormone disruption. The human body needs normal hormone production and metabolism to function in a healthy and normal manner.
You already know about the severe social stigma that is attached to kids and teens who suffer from obesity. Even something as simple as going to school is probably unbearable. The effects of constant teasing, bullying and mean comments can leave psychological scars that can last a person’s entire lifetime. Each person will react in some different manner, to be sure. The ripple effects from this can be large and serious and it is important to get obese teens and kids and adults into counseling so that they can properly deal with the effects of these kinds of things.
If you are an obese adult or teen, then we urge you to talk to a responsible and informed adult about your weight condition. You need to be informed about what makes your condition happened. Alternatively, something can be done about it and you are never too late to try to work back toward good health.