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Diabetes, Hypothyroidism and obesity are more common in women
What is the definition of obesity?Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of over. Overweight is defined as a BMI of over. BMI is defined as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (BMI=kg/m2). The "correct weight for height" is expressed through this measurement.
Isn't "baby-fat" ok when a girl is young?Studies have shown that obese children often grow up to be obese adults. In fact, in the population of women with gestational diabetes (abnormal blood sugar during pregnancy) babies are often overly large and these large babies grow to be obese adults with greater risk of insulin resistance and diabetes themselves. The concern about obesity actually begins even before birth.
What are the health risks of obesity in this age group?When childhood obesity continues into adulthood, it is a major risk factor for heart attacks, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. But even in childhood, being overweight can contribute to problems with the joints, sleep apnea, asthma and especially type2 diabetes, which is now seen much more commonly in childhood than in the past. Insulin resistance is worsened by obesity and contributes to the risk of diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and polycystic ovary syndrome (see below). Children may also face serious psychological issues and problems with social interaction due to obesity.
Other endocrine disorders can be seen in young girls. In childhood, an underactive thyroid often becomes apparent with failure to grow normally. It can also cause fatigue, poor concentration and difficulty with learning, constipation, muscle pains or weakness, and intolerance to the cold. In girls, thyroid disease can cause failure to menstruate, early onset of menses, or irregular menses.
Congenital hypothyroidism is usually caused by improper development or actual absence of the gland. This is a very serious condition, which can lead to mental retardation. Fortunately, all babies in the US have a test for thyroid disease when they are born and parents are notified immediately if there is a problem. Prompt treatment with thyroid pills will allow perfectly normal growth and development.
Overactivity of the thyroid can cause weight loss, irritability and poor school performance, change in sleep habits, shakiness, muscle weakness, menstrual problems and palpitations.
A goiter or enlargement of the thyroid may or may not be present when the thyroid does not work correctly.
Since thyroid disease is often hereditary, children in families with a high frequency of thyroid disease should be checked with a simple blood test as should all children with any of the symptoms listed above.
Also, keep in mind that thyroid malfunction is5- times more likely in females than males.
Adrenal hyperplasia refers to a series of conditions, which are genetic and lead to improper production of adrenal hormones. Usually, this is apparent at birth sometimes with abnormal development of the genital tissues. In some cases, the symptoms do not become apparent until adolescence. Endocrinologists are able to test for this condition and medical therapy is quite successful.
Cushing's disease may occur in childhood and adolescence but is extremely rare, as are tumors of the adrenal glands.
Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) is also rare in childhood and adolescence but is more common in people with type1 diabetes and other autoimmune disease. If your doctor suspects this condition, there are easy blood tests to determine its presence and treatment is very successful.
Pituitary problems are rare in childhood and adolescence. Pituitary tumors and tumors called craniopharyngiomas, which grow near the pituitary gland, can affect growth, development, menstruation, and cause secondary failure of the thyroid and adrenal glands.
There is a wide range of normal height in this country, particularly since we are a diverse community with people from all over the world. Since the major influence on height is genetic, it's unfortunate that youngsters compare themselves with friends who may have different growth potential. If a girl had been growing normally for her own pattern of growth and that growth slows, it is proper to search for a cause. This may include thyroid disease, pituitary problems, growth hormone deficiency, problems with the absorption of food from a variety of causes, or even a sign of a young onset of an eating disorder. Turner's syndrome and its variants may also be present with short stature, and it is important to find this disease since growth hormone therapy early in life can improve the final adult height. (See below) An endocrinologist specializing in growth problems can perform the appropriate tests and prescribe treatment if a deficiency is found.
