Health Risks For Obese Children

It’s well known that obesity can lead to health complications in adults, but it can also have negative consequences for younger generations. Recent studies show that obese children are more likely to suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) than children who are not overweight or obese.

GERD is characterized as frequent acid reflux or heartburn that occurs two or more times per week and is most commonly seen in adults. The risk for GERD in adults increases with obesity, and the same seems to be true for teens and children over the age of 6. One study suggests that obese children are 5 to 10 times more likely to suffer from the sometimes painful symptoms of GERD than normal weight children.

Children suffering from GERD is of particular concern not only because of the discomfort associated with symptoms, but also because of the damage often done to the esophagus. Stomach acid can cause significant changes to the lining of the esophagus, increasing the risk of esophageal cancer. Some experts are concerned that encountering this damage early in life may make these children even more likely to develop cancer later in life.

In order to prevent GERD in children, healthy habits should be modeled by parents in the home. Having healthy foods available in the kitchen and planning family events that require physical activity can help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related health complications.