Yes, abdominal or central obesity in children may cause early health problems and affect their long-term health. Abdominal obesity is excess fat around the abdomen, measured by waist circumference or waist-to-hip ratio.
Insulin resistance, which causes abdominal fat, is connected to cell dysfunction. Insulin resistance raises blood sugar and increases type 2 diabetes risk.
Abdominal obesity in children may raise the risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes insulin resistance, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.
Central obesity in children is linked to cardiovascular risk factors such high blood pressure and poor lipid profiles, which can lead to heart disease.
Abdominal obesity increases inflammatory markers. Chronic inflammation can cause metabolic and cardiovascular complications.
Children with abdominal obesity are more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Overeating processed meals, sugary drinks, and bad fats can lead to abdominal obesity.
Sitting and inactivity cause weight increase and abdominal obesity in children.