BHF - Future health risks for obese children
27 Sep 2012 02:05 PM
Being obese as a child or teenager may carry more risks for future health than previously thought, a study suggests.
A review of past studies showed that obese children are more likely to have risk factors for heart disease including raised blood pressure, high cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and a thickening of the heart muscle. Researchers predicted that obese children could already be at a 30-40% higher risk of stroke and heart disease in later life.
BHF's Senior Cardiac Nurse, June Davison, said: “Unless action is taken, childhood obesity is likely to cause future health problems for children.
“Obese children are more likely to become obese adults and with this comes a greater risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
“However, this problem can be solved by teaching children about the importance of lifestyle at a young age. By highlighting the need to eat healthily and stay active, we can help today’s children, and tomorrow’s adults, to keep their hearts healthy.”
This study was published in the British Medical Journal.
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