We've all seen obese babies paraded across the stage of Maury, but sometimes seeing the true ramifications of childhood obesity in real life drives home the terrifying health concerns that comes with being extremely overweight. Maury Povich might show these children for the shock value ratings, but all too often there is a case in the real world where doctors are simply baffled as to why a child continues to gain weight so rapidly.
Such is the case for 10-month-old Colombian Juanita Valentina Hernandez. Although she was born a happy, healthy baby girl of just six pounds, she has gained weight seemingly uncontrollably and now weighs in at around 44 pounds. It's heartbreaking news for Juanita and her family because, at that weight, the little girl is considered morbidly obese and weighs as much as an average five-year-old.
We all know the health risks of being obese, of course, but to have to consider them at such a young age is a harrowing thing for Sandra Franco, Hernandez's mother, to have to endure. Colombian doctors have not been able to nail down the cause of Juanita's weight gain, and the family has not been in a financial position to be able to seek the treatment that their baby desperately needs.
In the video, you'll see baby Juanita, her family, and her doctors as they try to find out just what is causing the poor girl to gain so much weight. They'll also look toward a solution that can help her get to a healthier weight and maintain it for years to come.
Luckily for Juanita Valentina Hernandez, a very special charity organization called Gorditos de Corazon has stepped in to help the 10-month-old find a solution to her problem. They brought Juanita to Colombia's capital, Bogota, from Libano to seek treatment from the very best specialists in the field.
Unfortunately for Juanita, it seems as though there will be a long road ahead, but thanks to the help of Gorditos de Corazon, a bright future is hopefully on the horizon. If you want to learn more about the amazing work the organization does (or even donate to their cause), you can find more info on their website.
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