Childhood obesity- too many reasons not to take action

We want to keep our kids eating healthy and prevent childhood obesity with:

• early nutrition education
• positive healthy food associations
• healthy parent role modeling
• daily activity
• developing good habits while they are young

Here is a list of obesity related complications. I think this list says it all!

Childhood obesity complications:

WELL-BEING:

• poor self-esteem
• depression

• increased pressure causing headaches and double vision

• sleep apnea
• asthma
• shortness of breath with exertion

• high LDL (the bad cholesterol that clogs the heart vessels)
• low HDL (the good cholesterol that helps keep our vessels clean)
• high triglycerides (essentially fat in the blood)
• abnormal blood clotting
• high blood pressure
• chronic inflammation that damages the blood vessels

• acid reflux
• constipation
• gallstones
• fatty liver

• type 2 diabetes (body doesn't make enough insulin)
• early puberty (in girls- polycystic ovarian syndrome
• changes in hormone levels which can induce ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, and excessive hair growth on the chin, chest, abdomen and upper lip

• dislocated growth plate in hip socket
• bowed knees
• flat feet
• pain in weight-bearing joints such as feet, knees, hips, lower back