Long-term health problems related to poor nutrition as a child

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Long-term health problems related to poor nutrition as a child

Children who eat poorly are more likely to develop certain long-term health problems and complications, including:

• Osteoporosisin later life.
• Cardiovascular diseases. Growing up eating foods high in fat, sugar, and salt can increase the risk for developing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis as an adult.^{1 2}
• Type 2 diabetes, which in children is linked to being overweight, being physically inactive, and having a family history of diabetes.
• Certain breathing problems, such as asthma in overweight children.²

Complications of being overweight include liver problems, problems with hip development (slipped capital femoral epiphysis) or bone growth in the legs, gallstones, early puberty, and polycystic ovary syndrome.^{2 3}

Your child's doctor regularly screens for signs of these health problems. If your child needs treatment, work with your child's doctor to ensure that your child is getting the best medical care possible, both at home and at medical checkups. Keep your child's relationship with food separate from his or her medical condition, and guide your child's eating with healthy food choices. Avoid putting your child on a weight-loss diet.

References

Citations

1. Barlow SE, et al. (2002). Medical evaluation of overweight children and adolescents: Reports from pediatricians, pediatric nurse practitioners, and registered dieticians. Pediatrics, 110(1): 222–228.

2. Styne DM (2001). Childhood and adolescent obesity: Prevalence and significance. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 84(4): 823–854.

3. Styne DM, Schoenfeld-Warden N (2003). Obesity. In CD Rudolph, AM Rudolph, eds., Rudolph's Pediatrics, 21st ed., pp. 2136–2142. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Credits

Last updated:	September 13, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition, Joanne P. Ikeda, MA, RD - Nutrition Education Specialist and Lecturer
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC