Children can experience many complications related to obesity, and it is important to understand these long-term effects on their bodies. Childhood obesity has been shown to persist into adulthood, causing increased morbidity and early mortality for those affected. Historically unknown diseases in pediatrics are occurring more and more frequently. Metabolic syndrome was once a predictor of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adults, but has recently been used in pediatrics. Pediatric patients diagnosed with a metabolic disorder tend to be obese, sedentary, and show signs of insulin resistance and hypertension. Metabolic syndrome is increasing by 16% in children (Malek, 2010, p.1) and is a precursor to type II diabetes. Rates of type II diabetes in children are rising dramatically; 85% of children with type II diabetes are overweight or obese (Waldman & Perlman, 2007, p.12). According to Waldman and Perlman (2007), approximately two-thirds of diabetics die from stroke or heart disease (p.12). Obese children are predisposed to these serious cardiovascular disorders and the need for treatment with antihypertensives, insulin and other therapeutic regimens. Diabetics are also at risk for blindness, kidney failure, nervous system damage, and periodontal disease (Waldman & Perlman, 2007, p.12). Waldman and Perlman (2007) also stated that as a child's weight increases, so does their chance of death, and “over 300,000 deaths per year will be attributed to obesity” (p.13). New pediatric diagnoses have encouraged further research into obesity. Effects of childhood obesity. Kelly and Reilly (2011) explored nine such studies, each of which pointed to obesity as the cause of significant morbidity in adulthood (p. 3). Diabetes, heart disease... center of paper... reduce obesity-related morbidity. Policy makers and healthcare professionals need to be aware of the severity of childhood obesity so that changes conducive to reducing childhood obesity can be made. If they do not fully understand its severity, it is not possible to implement supportive social policies to support obesity prevention. Most obesity-related complications are chronic and require lifelong management of symptoms. Obesity creates such a poor prognosis for the future generation - it is vital for everyone to recognize and acknowledge this epidemic in order to improve the health of the future population. Works Cited Kelly, J., & Reilly, J. J. (2011). Long-term impact of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence on morbidity and premature mortality in adulthood: systematic review. International Journal of Obesity, 35(7), 891-898. doi:10.1038/ijo.2010.222