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The Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes in Overweight Children

Adolescents suffering from childhood obesity may increase their risk for developing many health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease and fatty liver disease. The best way to reduce the chances of acquiring these harmful ills is to lose at least 10 to 20 pounds.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It used to be called adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, meaning the body does not produce enough insulin to process the sugar you digest. With adutls and kids with Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels are elevated which can lead to heart disease, kidney problems, blindness and shortened life expectancy.

Just about everyone with Type 2 diabetes is considered obese or overweight. Although the exact reasons are unknown, it may be that being heavy causes cells to change, making them less able to process sugar from the blood. The cells that produce insulin (a hormone that carries sugar from the blood to cells) become stressed and over time they cease functioning.

By losing as little as 5 to 15 percent of weight, becoming more physically fit and getting proper nutrition, overweight children can significantly lower their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. For those who already have Type 2 diabetes, shedding pounds and becoming more active will helps the body become better able to control blood sugar levels, which may result in a reduction of the amount of diabetes medication taken.

When the heart and circulation (blood flow) do not work properly, the result is heart disease. With heart disease, you risk a heart attack, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or abnormal heart rhythm which can lead to lower quality of life and death. High blood pressure, high levels of triglycerides (blood fats) and high cholesterol are also associated with obesity and overweight in children and adults.

When cells in you one part of your body grow abnormally or out of control and spread to other parts of the body, the result is cancer. When you or your children are obese or overweight, you increase the risk of developing cancer. While it is not known exactly how being overweight increases cancer risk, experts believe that fat cells secrete hormones that affect cell growth leading to cancer. Also, poor nutrition or lack of physical activity also contributes to cancer risk.

When a person stops breathing for short periods while they're sleeping they suffer from sleep apnea. People who are overweight are more likely to have sleep apnea because they may have more fat stored around their neck, which makes the airway smaller. This results in difficulty breathing, snoring, or breathing cessation.

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder where the joint bone and cartilage wears away. Cartilage is the tissue that protects the joints and carrying around extra weight puts additional pressure on the joints and cartilage. Most often, the knees, hips and lower back are affected by osteoarthritis. Solid material that forms in the gallbladder is called gallstones. Since overweight teens and adults produce more cholesterol, they are more likely to develop gallbladder disease and gallstones. Often people who are overweight also have an enlarged, improperly functioning gallbladder.

When fat builds up in the liver cells, fatty liver disease occurs, resulting in injury and inflammation in the liver. This can lead to severe liver damage, cirrhosis (build-up of scar tissue that blocks proper blood flow in the liver), or even liver failure.

The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to make significant, healthy changes in diet and exercise. By choosing healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat meats, and incorporating at least 30 minutes of heart rate raising physical activity, you will be able to lose weight, maintain weight loss, lower your risk for several health problems and enjoy a higher quality of life.

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