Question
What are the adverse effects of childhood obesity?
Answer
Research has shown that persistent overweight, obesity, and a rapid increase in BMI from childhood to adulthood significantly increases the likelihood of high blood pressure in adulthood, including pediatric hypertension, diabetes, fatty liver disease, dental caries, and precocious puberty. It is recommended that parents adjust their children’s diet to include more fresh vegetables and fruits while limiting snacks, beverages, hamburgers, and other high-calorie foods, and increasing outdoor activities.