"It takes a village...."

In a short time 7 year old Terrio Harshaw has become an internet sensation. This little boy is morbidly obese and has gained considerable weight since he first came to the public's attention. Many people have become increasingly alarmed and concerned for Terrio's health and overall well being. Childhood obesity is an epidemic and will have both short and long term effects on Terrio's health. We cannot continue to stand by and watch this little boy be exploited to the detriment of his health and childhood. Please join us in asking the Department of Family & Children Services, Clayton County, Ga to do a wellness check on Terrio Harshaw.

Immediate health effects:

-Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

 -Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.

-Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Long-term health effects:

-Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.  One study showed that children who became obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults.

-Being overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Reference: CDC - Childhood Obesity