Final answer:
Obese children have a significantly increased risk of developing heart disease compared to their normal weight counterparts. Their hearts work harder due to the excess weight, and obesity also causes elevated levels of blood fat and cholesterol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children who are obese are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease compared to their normal weight peers. This is because the hearts of overweight individuals must work harder to pump blood through additional blood vessels that accompany excess body fat. As a result, the risk of heart attack in individuals who are overweight can be three times greater than those within a normal weight range. Furthermore, obesity can lead to increased levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
In addition to heart disease, obesity in children can lead to other serious health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, ultimately reducing their life expectancy. Preventing and addressing obesity through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and healthy sleep habits can help reduce or reverse the risk of these conditions.