Obese children exhibit significantly higher blood lipid levels than their normal-weight peers, and dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.
2. Increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases
Accumulated chest wall fat in obese children restricts thoracic expansion, reduces compliance, and limits diaphragmatic movement. This impairs lung ventilation function, lowers respiratory tract resistance, and increases susceptibility to respiratory illnesses.
3. Increased risk of fatty liver disease
The incidence of fatty liver disease reaches 80% in severely obese children. Childhood obesity is a major risk factor for fatty liver disease, with hypertension and hyperlipidemia serving as warning signs for its development in obese children.
4. Increased susceptibility to digestive system disorders
The prevalence of digestive system disorders among obese children is 15%, significantly higher than that of normal-weight children (4%).
5. Impaired Immune Function
Immune function is compromised in obese children, particularly with markedly reduced cellular activity, making them susceptible to infectious diseases.
6. Hyperinsulinemia
Hyperinsulinemia is prevalent among obese children. To maintain glucose metabolism, the body is forced to secrete large amounts of insulin over the long term, leading to pancreatic insufficiency and diabetes.
7. Precocious Puberty
Male obese children exhibit significantly higher blood testosterone levels, while females show markedly elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels compared to normal children. Increased body fat stimulates greater adrenal hormone secretion, lowering the hypothalamus's sensitivity to circulating sex hormone thresholds and triggering precocious puberty.Premature sexual development can trigger sexual awareness, leading to confusion, fear, anxiety, and other negative psychological states related to sexuality at an early age, which can adversely affect children's learning and daily life.
8. Lower IQ
Obese children exhibit lower overall IQ and operational IQ compared to healthy peers. Their reduced activity, learning, and social skills may eventually lead to depression and low self-esteem. This makes children sensitive to interpersonal relationships, introverted, and less socially adaptable, adversely affecting their mental health.