Bogota doctors will attempt to save the life of a toddler who currently weighs 44 pounds, similar to a typical child of five or six.
Santiago Mendoza, the severely obese toddler from northeast Colombia was transported to Bogota on Tuesday by the charity Gorditos de Corazón (Chubby Hearts), where he will receive treatment for a variety of ailments stemming from his extreme weight.
The Medellin-based charity stepped in after the 8 month old child’s mother asked them for help. The toddler from Valledupar, Cesar state, will receive surgeries and treatment once his weight is lowered.
Chubby Hearts director Salvador Palacio González drew attention to the increased obesity rates among children.
He said childhood obesity is about to become an epidemic, as two in five children outgrow their healthy weight, many of whom will develop what he calls “infantile morbid obesity.”
“This puts their lives at risk at an early age at risk, due to multiple associated diseases.”
Source
- Gorditos de Corazón rescata al bebé más obeso de Colombia (Caracol Radio)
- VIDEO: El bebé más obeso de Colombia recibirá tratamiento (El Espectador)
