Gift of Life - Avoid Childhood Overweight

Dr. James O Hill

(University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Center for Human Nutrition)

Excess Weight in Childhood Means Health Problems as an Adult

Posted on 10:33AM (EST) on 2007-12-31

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows clearly that excess weight in children leads to an increased risk of heart disease in adulthood. The study followed over 270,000 Danish children over time. Those who were overweight - even a few pounds overweight - at ages 7-13 years were much more likely to develop heart disease between the ages of 25 and 71 years of age.

The more overweight the child, the more likely they were to develop heart disease. The risk remained even if the child later lost the excess weight.

This study provides clear evidence that childhood overweight leads to serious adult health problems. This is a wake up call for parents to be concerned about the weights of their children. The best solution is to ensure that your children achieve a health lifestyle and learn the importance of

good nutrition and regular physical activity.

Given that childhood obesity has tripled over the past three decades, how can we expect anything less than a major increase in heart disease in the future?

If your children are normal weight, help them stay there. If they are overweight, see your pediatrician to develop a plan for addressing their weight. Don't wait until they are adults with serious health problems. If you are thinking about New Year resolutions, how about a resolution to improve your family's lifestyle?