Child obesity increases the heath risk for many secondary complications. These include:
  • Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Stroke
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Cancer (colon, rectum, prostate, breast, uterus and cervix)
  • Asthma
  • Dermatologic disorders
  • Orthopedic conditions (bone and joint problems
  • Gall bladder disease
  • Menstrual abnormalities

In regards to psychosocial implications of being obese, society attaches a devastating social stigma. Obese people are often ostracized, and discrimination against. This can be very devastating for children and affect their self-esteem. Koletzko et al. (2002) discusses how obese children are at a disadvantage for success in adulthood. They have a poorer chance in getting married, poorer chances in getting a high paying job, and poorer chances in completing their education.


   
Website Created by Tristan Fabian and Joanne Nicdao
Nursing Students of Kwantlen University College, Surrey,B.C
April 2003

References

Encyclopedia.com. (2003).

Jerum, A. & Melnyk, B.M. (2001). Effectiveness of interventions to prevent obesity and obesity-related complications in children and adolescents. Pediatric Nursing, 27(6), 606-610. Retrieved March 7, 2003 on CINAHL database.

Koletzko, B., Girrardet, J.P., Klish, W., Tabacco, O. (2002). Obesity on children and adolescents worldwide: Current views and future directions-working group report of the first world congress of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroentorology and Nutrition, 35, S205-S212. Retrieved March 10, 2003 from Ovid online library.

Vessey, J. & MacKenzie, N.R. (2000). Childhood obesity: strategies for prevention. Pediatric Nursing, 26(5), 527-530. Retrieved March 7, 2003 on CINAHL database.
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