Childhood Obesity and Heart Disease: Why you should act early

Obesity has become a global epidemic that has not spared even the children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of children and adolescents with obesity has risen significantly in the past few decades, with more than 340 million children worldwide being overweight or obese. Childhood obesity not only affects physical health but also increases the risk of developing heart disease later in life. In this blog, we will explore the relationship between childhood obesity and heart disease, and the importance of early intervention in a hospital setting.

Why is childhood obesity should not be ignored

Childhood obesity is unique as it can have long-term consequences that extend into adulthood. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, which significantly increases their risk of developing various health problems, including heart disease. Several factors contribute to childhood obesity, including genetics, diet, physical activity levels, and environmental factors such as family habits and community infrastructure.

Obesity and heart disease

Obesity can cause various health issues in children just as in adults. Some of these problems can contribute to the development of serious heart conditions.

Obesity causes:

High blood pressure which is a significant risk factor for heart disease

High blood cholesterol which leads to the formation of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease

Development of insulin resistance which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, another risk factor of heart disease

The consequences of childhood obesity can be severe and long-lasting, setting the stage for future heart health problems if left untreated.

The importance of early intervention in a hospital setting

The best way to treat childhood obesity is early. With early intervention it is possible to prevent obesity from affecting the heart. It is also important to visit a hospital for treatment. This is because a hospital setting offers multiple advantages including:

Multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, nutritionists, psychologists, and physical therapists to promote physical, emotional and psychological well-being of the child.

Screening during check-ups for early detection and intervention.

Education and counselling for children and their families to empower them to make positive changes in their lifestyle choices.

Nutrition support to develop a personalized nutrition plan for children with obesity.

Behavioural therapy to address the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to childhood obesity, such as emotional eating, stress, and body image issues.

Early intervention is the key to protecting hearth health in children. At Medifort Hospital, our pediatric cardiologists are dedicated to preserving every child’s heart health. If your child appears to be gaining too much weight, consult our experts at the earliest. We will determine if your child is obese or just has excess weight. This will help us develop a plan to counter the weight gain and bring your child back within the healthy weight range.

Contact our experts today to ensure a healthy future for your child.