From the Guidelines
The correct answer is B. difficulty adjustment in future. If an obese child with a sedentary lifestyle, who watches TV and eats junk food, continues this lifestyle, they will likely experience significant difficulty with social and psychological adjustment in the future. While type 1 diabetes (option A) is an autoimmune condition not directly caused by lifestyle factors, the described behaviors put the child at high risk for numerous health and psychosocial complications. These include continued obesity into adulthood, development of type 2 diabetes (not type 1), cardiovascular disease, poor self-esteem, depression, and social isolation. Children with obesity often face stigmatization, bullying, and discrimination, which can lead to significant psychological distress and difficulty adjusting socially. Additionally, habits formed in childhood tend to persist into adulthood, making lifestyle changes increasingly difficult over time. The combination of physical health consequences and psychosocial challenges creates substantial barriers to healthy adjustment in various aspects of life as the child grows older.
Key Factors Contributing to Difficulty in Adjustment
- Sedentary lifestyle, as evidenced by excessive TV watching, contributes to obesity and related health issues 1
- Consumption of junk food, high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, promotes weight gain and metabolic dysfunction 1
- Lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health complications 1
- Social and psychological challenges, including stigmatization, bullying, and discrimination, can result in poor self-esteem, depression, and social isolation 1
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention is crucial in preventing the long-term health consequences of obesity and promoting healthy lifestyle habits. This can include restricting screen time, encouraging physical activity, and promoting a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources 1. By addressing these factors, healthcare providers can help obese children develop healthy habits and reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, ultimately improving their quality of life and ability to adjust socially and psychologically.
From the Research
Potential Health Consequences
If the obese child with a sedentary lifestyle continues to watch TV and eat junk food, she may be at risk for several health problems, including:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 2, 3, 4, 5
- Metabolic syndrome 2, 6, 4
- Cardiovascular disease 2, 6, 4, 5
- Insulin resistance 2, 3, 4
Risk Factors
The child's current lifestyle is a significant risk factor for developing these health problems, as:
- Sedentary behavior is strongly associated with an increased risk of T2DM and metabolic syndrome 2, 6, 4
- Unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity contribute to excess weight and obesity, which are major risk factors for T2DM and metabolic syndrome 2, 3, 4
- Regular exercise training and a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of T2DM and metabolic syndrome 2, 3, 4, 5
Prevention and Intervention
To prevent or delay the onset of these health problems, it is essential to:
- Encourage regular physical activity, such as aerobic and resistance training 2, 6, 4
- Promote a healthy diet and lifestyle habits 2, 3, 4, 5
- Support weight loss and maintenance through a combination of diet and exercise 2, 3, 4, 5
Note: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is not directly related to lifestyle factors and is not a likely consequence of the child's current lifestyle 2, 3, 4, 5. Therefore, option B, "difficulty adjustment in future," is the correct answer, as it is more closely related to the potential health consequences of the child's lifestyle.