Severely Obese Kids at Higher Risk for Heart Disease, Diabetes
Severely Obese Kids at Higher Risk for Heart Disease, Diabetes
Study finds heavier boys face even greater odds of future trouble
When the researchers looked at blood sugar levels, kids with class 2 or 3 obesity were 1.5 to 2.6 times more likely to have blood sugar problems. And again, the findings were worse in boys.
Blood pressures were worse in those who were class 2 or 3 obese, too. Boys who were severely obese were more than seven times more likely to have high blood pressure than those who were mildly obese.
Skinner said the researchers can't explain why the boys seemed to be at higher risk from severe obesity.
The findings are a wake-up call that should trigger more effort at prevention and intervention, the researchers said.
Dr. William Muinos agreed. He is the associate director of pediatric gastroenterology and directs the weight management program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. He reviewed the study's findings.
Muinos said this study's results ring true in his patient population. He sees children with high blood pressure, some as young as 8 years old. He said he also sees unhealthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels in young patients.
Muinos tells patients and their parents that children can get severely obese more easily than adults can, partly due to such factors as growth hormones. "In the growing years, if you eat the wrong stuff, you become a better candidate to make body fat," he said.
His advice for parents? Load up your children's plates with vegetables at lunch and dinner. Muinos says aim for three to five vegetables at each meal. He also advises sticking to healthy protein sources such as fish, chicken or turkey, and to limit carbohydrates.
Exercise is a must, he also tells parents. "Five days a week, an hour a day," he said. "It can be a simple as walking your dog."
Obese Kids at Higher Risk for Heart Disease
Study finds heavier boys face even greater odds of future trouble
When the researchers looked at blood sugar levels, kids with class 2 or 3 obesity were 1.5 to 2.6 times more likely to have blood sugar problems. And again, the findings were worse in boys.
Blood pressures were worse in those who were class 2 or 3 obese, too. Boys who were severely obese were more than seven times more likely to have high blood pressure than those who were mildly obese.
Skinner said the researchers can't explain why the boys seemed to be at higher risk from severe obesity.
The findings are a wake-up call that should trigger more effort at prevention and intervention, the researchers said.
Dr. William Muinos agreed. He is the associate director of pediatric gastroenterology and directs the weight management program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami. He reviewed the study's findings.
Muinos said this study's results ring true in his patient population. He sees children with high blood pressure, some as young as 8 years old. He said he also sees unhealthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels in young patients.
Muinos tells patients and their parents that children can get severely obese more easily than adults can, partly due to such factors as growth hormones. "In the growing years, if you eat the wrong stuff, you become a better candidate to make body fat," he said.
His advice for parents? Load up your children's plates with vegetables at lunch and dinner. Muinos says aim for three to five vegetables at each meal. He also advises sticking to healthy protein sources such as fish, chicken or turkey, and to limit carbohydrates.
Exercise is a must, he also tells parents. "Five days a week, an hour a day," he said. "It can be a simple as walking your dog."
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