9-12 Research shows that parent inactivity strongly predicts child inactivity.11 Moreover, the exercise patterns of parents have a strong influence on the frequency of exercise in their children.13 Research also shows that parental influences are early determinants of food attitudes and practices in young children.14 Furthermore, food preferences greatly influence the consumption patterns of young children.15 Therefore, strategies that positively alter the behaviors and environment of the family may reduce the risk of adult obesity and diabetes mellitus by improving physical activity and nutrition. This may prevent the onset of pediatric obesity and the risk of metabolic disease later in life, especially in those children with primary risk factors (at risk). Efforts to halt and reverse obesity and related metabolic disease, therefore, should begin ! with young children. More importantly, educational interventions that target the parents of children at risk for obesity should be an integral part of standard pediatric and family medical care. .
Health Implications of Childhood Obesity .
Pediatric obesity is a serious chronic disease that contributes to various conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and to an increased incidence of musculoskeletal injuries. is The metabolic consequences of obesity even in moderate conditions include atherogenic dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and coagulation system abnormalities.16 Furthermore, obese children are at an increased risk for future cardiovascular disease.17 .
Recent investigations have explored the relationship of total body fat, abdominal obesity, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and insulin resistance in young children.18,19 There appears to be sufficient evidence to suggest that early onset obesity promotes metabolic disorders that lead to insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and related chronic disease during adulthood, especially in at-risk youth.
