Child Obesity Statistics

By Petra Peach on July 3, 2011 in articles on obesity

Child Obesity Statistics Alarming Facts

Global research reveals more child obesity statistics and the prognosis is not good. In the UK alone a study of children between 4 & 14 years of age indicated that 500,000 children are potentially at risk of developing life-threatening fatty liver disease related to excess weight.
Similar research into Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease the US as far back as the Klatskin report in 1979 and the Ludwig report of 1980 showed an increase in diet related damage being caused to the liver that mimicked symptoms found in alcohol related liver disease.

More Facts Revealed by Child Obesity Statistics

As obesity levels are measurably higher in the US, it clearly poses a serious health threat to American children, where non alcoholic fatty liver disease is now recognised as the most common cause of liver disease in children.
Those with insulin resistance and high levels of fat in the blood have also been found to be more commonly affected as are those with diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (elevated lipids in the blood) and high blood pressure.
This is just one more clear indication that the modern western diet, in conjunction with reduce levels of physical activity is leading towards an this increase. The problem is compounded by the fact that it can be present without any noticeable symptoms and currently no medical treatment has so far been effective in reversing any damage caused and the most effective treatment is to embark on a weight loss program with increased levels of exercise.
Left untreated there is an increased risk of cirrhosis of the liver, potentially leading to a liver transplant.

Worrying Future in Child Obesity Statistics

In the adult world it is estimated that 75% of obese individuals have an increased risk of developing a simple fatty liver and up to 23% of obese individuals are at risk of developing fatty liver disease.
So if you are concerned about your children’s weight, now is the time to address their diet and levels of physical activity before the damage is done. Do not add your child to the current child obesity statistics.

Child Obesity Statistics