It's well known that childhood obesity is a risk factor for
chronic diseases in adulthood. But what many parents might not
realize until problems arise is that overweight and obese kids
and teens often have weight-related problems during childhood.
Kids who are considered obese (with a body mass index, or BMI,
at or above the 95th percentile) are at risk for: obstructive
sleep apnea (blocked breathing during sleep) breathing problems
(such as asthma and exercise intolerance) type 2 diabetes high
blood pressure (hypertension) bone and joint problems elevated
cholesterol and triglycerides (which are risk factors for
cardiovascular problems) anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
bullying and discrimination There's also thought to be a
connection between obesity and early puberty, especially in
girls. Overweight kids tend to grow faster and enter puberty
earlier, and obesity might play a role in earlier onset of
breast development, usually the first sign that a girl is
entering puberty. What This Means to You The