Consequences of childhood obesity

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of childhood obesity is rising across the globe, and obesity related co-morbidities are increasing concomitantly in the paediatric population.

Materials and methods: PubMed search for research and review papers on complications of childhood obesity was performed.

Results: The consequences of childhood obesity can be broadly classified into medical and psychosocial consequences. Medical consequences include metabolic complications such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and mechanical problems such as obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and orthopaedic disorders. Psychological and social consequences are prevalent but often overlooked. Local data on these complications were also discussed.

Conclusion: Childhood obesity is associated with significant morbidities, which not only have immediate impact on the health of the obese children, but also significantly increase the risk of morbidities in adulthood.