For many parents, giving birth to a chubby-cheeked, rotund infant is a sign that a healthy, happy baby has come into the world. But there's a darker side to the images these plump little cherubs represent. One somewhat controversial solution involves the use of adult prescription diet drugs to help kids lose weight. Although these drugs are different and much safer than diet drugs of the past, the studies are a dramatic and, some say, even desperate move.
Doctors involved in the studies, however, believe they're on the right path.
While it may seem a bit more aggressive, it is necessary because at this point in time there is nothing else to really offer these kids. Indeed, studies indicate overweight children are highly likely to grow into overweight adults, most with a slew of potentially life-threatening problems in tow, including increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and even some forms of cancer. Some children are experiencing such problems even before they reach adulthood. I'm starting to see Type II diabetes in overweight children. While no one is certain why children are getting heavier, experts say there are several likely factors.