Don't Let Your Kids Be Couch Potatoes

Overweight children are at risk of developing diabetes Type 2, which is usually only found in adults. Britain has the third highest rate of increase in obesity levels, rapidly catching up with the USA.

The findings from the Royal Hospital for Children in Bristol provide one of the biggest warnings yet to parents about letting their children lead a 'couch potato' lifestyle. They suggest that one in ten youngsters under four is obese and some children are being diagnosed with diabetes up to 30 years earlier than would normally be expected.

Dr. Julian Shields, a senior lecturer in paediatrics said, 'The increasing incidence of childhood obesity and the inevitable rise in Type 2 diabetes from an early age is likely to have a long term impact on health care systems in the UK'.

Diabetes occurs when the level of glucose in the blood is too high. The condition diagnosed in younger children is usually Type 1, which can be treated with insulin injections. Type 2, usually found in those aged 40 and above, is treated by diet and exercise alone, tablets or sometimes insulin. The condition damages the arteries, can raise cholesterol levels and puts strain on the heart muscles and nerves.

Dr Shields added, 'It is worrying because children with Type 2 will have it for a long time which puts them at higher risk of complications.' The threat has grown due to lack of exercise and an increase in the intake of junk food. For advice on how to ensure a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, contact The Bromley Health Management team.

Tuesday, 12 March 2002