KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -
Diabetes, heart problems and asthma are common effects of child obesity. But now, new studies suggest obese kids who become teenagers are developing arthritis, and it may be linked to an overweight younger generation.
Studies show for every one pound people are over their ideal weight, four pounds of pressure is added to the lower joints.
For kids, it can be especially bad because their joints haven't fully developed, and that may be leading to the beginning stages of arthritis in overweight teenagers.
The goal of Healthy Hawks, a program sponsored by the University of Kansas hospital, is to teach kids of all ages healthy ways to eat as they grow.
"There are significant studies looking at the risk of pain, especially low back pain, knee pain, ankle pain, foot pain in kids who are overweight or are obese, who may or may not have something shows up on X-ray that you can define as the source of the problem. Yet they are still having pain," professor of orthopedic surgery Dr. Kim Templeton said.
Templeton's research is about to be published in a new book on the impact of obesity and kids.
Statistics show that more than half of all obese children become obese adults, and in the Midwest it is a huge problem.
Missouri is now the 11th most obese state, and Kansas is 15th. Moreover, between 2003 and 2007, girls in Kansas age 10 to 17 were doubled in obesity rate.
"It is a continuum that they develop some changes in their joints some beginning of arthritis as a child or as an adolescent, and that continues on during adulthood," Templeton said.
Doctors say parents need to get more involved in keeping their kids healthier. If needed, parents should get active with them.
"Find an activity that your kid likes. It's so much easier to get to your goals if you're enjoying it," Director of Youth Sports Medicine Dr. Randy Goldstein said. "If you get involved, that makes it even better. Now you're dealing with your health and your child's health."
The city is also trying to find ways to cut down on obesity in kids and said building more sidewalks and trying to get more grocery stores in all areas of the city will make healthier food more accessible.
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