Sunday Snippet: Child Obesity Causes and Consequences

Our nation’s overall increase in obesity also is influenced by a person’s community. Where people live can affect their ability to make healthy choices.

Behavior

Behaviors that influence excess weight gain include eating high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and beverages, not getting enough physical activity, sedentary activities such as watching television or other screen devices, medication use, and sleep routines.

In contrast, consuming a healthy diet and being physically active can help children grow as well as maintain a healthy weight throughout childhood. Balancing energy or calories consumed from foods and beverages with the calories burned through activity plays a role in preventing excess weight gain. In addition, eating healthy and being physically active also has other health benefits and helps to prevent chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Use these resources to eat well and be active!

A healthy diet follows the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for AmericansExternal that emphasizes eating a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, a variety of lean protein foods, and low-fat and fat-free dairy products. It also limits eating foods and beverages with added sugars, solid fats, or sodium. The Physical Activity Guidelines for AmericansExternal recommends children aged 6 years or older do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Learn more about Healthy Weight—Finding a Balance

Community Environment

Consequences of Obesity

More Immediate Health Risks

• Obesity during childhood can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways. Children who have obesity are more likely to have^(1-7)
  • High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma and sleep apnea.
  • Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.
  • Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-esophageal reflux (i.e., heartburn).
• Childhood obesity is also related to^8-10:
  • Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
  • Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life.
  • Social problems such as bullying and stigma.

Future Health Risks

• Children who have obesity are more likely to become adults with obesity.¹¹ Adult obesity is associated with increased risk of a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.¹²
• If children have obesity, their obesity and disease risk factors in adulthood are likely to be more severe.¹³

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention