Childhood obesity can have long-term effects on physical and mental health, a pediatrician said as she warned young people against consuming excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates and inactivity.
Obesity in young children is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, diabetes and chronic diseases later in life, Pan Yu-wen (潘妤玟), a doctor at the Douliou Branch of the National Chung Kung University Medical Hospital, said in Yunlin County on June 23.
Obesity has also been linked to precocious puberty, which might lead to decreased adult height, while the social stigma attached to being overweight might affect social skills and mental health, she said.
Photo: Lai Hsiao-tung, Taipei Times
Citing an example, Pan said she recently treated a 10-year-old child who had diabetes and other health issues related to obesity, adding that the boy’s family took him to hospital after finding dark patches on his skin.
Tests showed that the boy had high levels of lipids and insulin in his blood, as well as a moderate case of fatty liver disease, which hindered the organ’s normal functions, Pan said.
A family history of diabetes made the patient more susceptible to fatty liver disease, Pan said.
A medical interview revealed that the boy ate an excessive amount of refined carbohydrates and deep-fried food, did not exercise and habitually stayed up late, she said.
The boy was prescribed a diet and urged to exercise, Pan said, adding that the skin problems are expected to clear once he loses weight.
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