Childhood Obesity May Cost More Later in Life
Childhood obesity is something that touches so many people these days. Living in the US, I have seen the effects of it such as clothing sizes changing to accommodate larger children, and car seats sizes increasing. Earlier this year I saw a television program on the BBC America citing childhood obesity leading to such problems there as children not being able to find school uniforms that would fit them. Clearly this is becoming a problem that is spreading throughout the world.
As reported in the Canada Standard, recent studies are discovering that childhood obesity will lead to more costly problems later as adults. The Medical Research Council did a study involving 499 healthy six year olds. Their study revealed that they had an overall larger bone structure than has been seen in the past. This larger bone structure was further tested and revealed to have a lower bone density than normal due to not getting enough of the necessary minerals to make the larger bones as strong.
As most of our bone mass is developed in childhood, and childhood bone density and strength directly affects bone strength later in life, this can lead to possible problems as adults. Some of the things they will be at risk for as the age are bone fractures, hip problems, and osteoporosis.
Although children seem to have limitless energy, it is becoming increasingly clear that teaching them healthy eating, sleeping, and exercising habits when they are young is critical to their overall health as adults. It is never too late in life to make changes to improve your health, but wouldn't it be wonderful to give the gift of good health to our children, rather that the problems of "age related disease"?
