CHILDHOOD OBESITY: PREVALENCE, PROGRESSION TO TYPE II DIABETES, AND COMPARISON OF TREATMENT METHODS

Abstract

Every year, the prevalence of childhood obesity increases in the United States. Researchers have postulated many reasons for this increase; some of which cannot be controlled and others that are influenced by lifestyle choices. Thus, it is important for parents to consider that while their child may be genetically predisposed for increased adiposity, their daily behaviors might be exacerbating the condition. Habits such as increased sedentary behavior and consumption of unhealthy foods make it likely for children to develop serious conditions such as obesity. This can then progress to detrimental stages like metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes if not prevented early. If the condition becomes life-threatening, children and caregivers are confined to more aggressive treatment options (drug therapy, surgery) as compared to lifestyle modifications. In this paper, peer-reviewed articles are used to compare the treatment options and physiological changes that occur as childhood obesity progresses to type II diabetes.