Obese Children Struggle With Joint Pain: Study
Experts say vicious cycle of inactivity, poor diet set overweight kids up for arthritis as adults.
As if obese children did not struggle enough, new research shows that heavier kids suffer pain in their lower joints, report poorer physical function and have worse mental health.
The researchers analyzed data from the medical charts of 175 obese children. They looked at age, sex, race, stage of puberty, lower extremity pain, physical function, psychosocial health and physical fitness.
Fifty-one of the children reported that they experience lower extremity pain (hips, knees, ankles and feet), and the same group scored lower on physical function and psychosocial health than those who felt no pain. The more obese a child was, the greater the decline in physical function, psychosocial health and fitness scores, the researchers reported.
Almost 30 percent of our children are overweight and obese.
Our hips and knees bear five to seven times our body weight. These little frames aren't supposed to be carrying 150 pounds of body weight. The heavier the child, the bigger the pressure on the joints and cartilage, and that can be painful. It sets up their soft tissue for inflammation.
There are many reasons kids are obese, including hormonal issues, but being overweight is strongly connected to diet and inactivity.
The inactivity related to watching TV and playing video games can have a significant impact on childhood obesity. Poor eating habits may also lead to diets deficient in calcium and vitamin D -- important nutrients for growing bones.
The concern is not just for their current pain, but their long-term bone health. A few decades down the road they'll have a higher likelihood of developing arthritis because the load on their joints on a daily basis for years and years will lead to degenerative changes.
News release expressed concern that pain in the feet, legs and hips of overweight youngsters may also reduce their ability and desire to exercise, which is key to helping them lose weight.
Experts advises parents to make games out of moving. Get your kid in the pool -- a pool will unload the joints. Even if they're just in there playing around. Or take them to the gym with you and make up games on bikes. They don't have to do a hard-core workout, just play around with speeds. The activity will also stimulate the brain and help lead to better mental health.
Experts also recommends cutting back on sugar, explaining that a high sugar diet can lead to inflammation. Get your vitamin C from fruits, not high-sugar juices.
This research is another brick in the wall pointing to the devastating effects of heavy weight in children. We need to reverse the culture of sedentary children.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
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