The irony is that ‘late-onset diabetes’ or type 2 diabetes is occurring to children at 13 who are simply eating too much junk food. This can shorten life span but the most important thing that you must know is that it is totally preventable. The best time to act is now. It is interesting to know that childhood obesity often precedes the hyperinsulinemic state. An association of obesity with insulin resistance, hypertension, and abnormal lipid profile is seen nowadays among the younger generation as well. Several researches have emphasized on the fact that a substantial amount of weight loss leads to an improved insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin resistance.

Prevention of childhood obesity should be the main focus. More attention should be paid to increasing physical activity and decreasing calorie consumption. Once obesity is established in a child or adolescent, vigorous clinical efforts should be directed at treating it. Bringing about a change in behavior and lifestyle could be a long-term solution but one cannot neglect the pharmacological approaches that are available today.

Obesity is one of the biggest causes of various lifestyle or excess weight-related health issues such as diabetes and many more that include cholesterol, high BP, and acidity. Ignoring it today is inviting trouble for tomorrow.