Childhood Obesity Can be Linked to Asthma

May 25, 2016 | Blog

Obesity across the nation is still a growing epidemic and being obese at a young age has been linked to the onset of asthma in adults. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system. According to a study in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners, both obesity and asthma are considered inflammatory diseases. Excess fatty tissues surrounding the lungs and heart can restrict deep breathing and therefore lead to asthma development.

Obesity greatly increases the risk for diabetes, stroke and other diseases later in life. The good news is that there is a growing movement to address and reverse the obesity epidemic. Daily, we see posts and news reports filled with different ways to stay active and be physically healthy. There are social media sites dedicated to clean eating and simple recipes that adults and children would both enjoy. Yet many barriers remain when it comes to ensuring that children and families have healthy choices, especially in our most underserved communities.

Visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology to learn more about childhood asthma.

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