As if there weren’t already enough complications from the obesity epidemic. Now research shows some overweight teenagers have severe liver damage caused by too much body fat, and some have even needed liver transplants.
The American Liver Foundation estimates two- to five-percent of American children over age five – nearly all of them obese or overweight – have what’s known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The condition can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure or liver cancer and is now in kids in the United States, Europe, Australia and even some developing countries, says The Associated Press.
Liver transplants for teenagers? Due to too much body fat? WOW! I know I shouldn’t be surprised, really, but I still find it very startling. I mean, I know young kids are being diagnosed with high cholesterol and adult onset diabetes every day, due to poor diet and lack of exercise. It’s really sad. The Standard American Diet has done a lot of damage. We really need to change! One part of the puzzle would be to stop marketing unhealthy foods to children. It’s insidious!
I know! Just when you think you’ve heard about all the awful complications of the obesity epidemic, this comes along. It’s truly sad.
It’s all quite depressing to me! I know it’s a tide that cannot be turned, but I’m still astounded that with all the destructive problems with our lifestyle choices and direction, nothing is done about it! Do I have the answers? Absolutely!
So, you have the answers to this – do share!
[...] Some Teens So Heavy, They Need Liver Transplants [...]