What health problems may appear in overweight teens?
High blood pressure and diabetes are usually adult medical problems, especially in those who are overweight or obese. These and other weight-related conditions are starting to emerge in the growing population of overweight children and teens. • Arthritis and joint problems. Carrying extra weight causes excess wear and tear on the joints, even at a young age. • Asthma. Overweight or obesity can make it harder to breath and raises the risk for asthma. Playing sports or even just running to catch the bus can be a challenge for a teen with uncontrolled asthma. • Bone growth problems. Several weight-related bone problems can affect the feet, legs and hips. Two of these are: • Blount’s disease, in which the inner part of the shin bone, just below the knee, does not develop properly. This causes severe bowing of both legs. • Slipped capital femoral epiphysis, in which the growing end (epiphysis) of the thigh bone (femur) slips from the ball of the hip joint. This causes hip stiffness and limp
