Health Effects Of Teen Obesity

Between 1980 and 2008, obesity among children in the United States ages 12 to 19 surged from 5 to 18.1 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your teen is likely to become obese if he has poor eating habits, is not very physically active or has a family history of obesity, low self-esteem or family problems. Obesity increases your teen's risk of several serious health problems.

Cardiovascular Disease

Obese teens are more likely to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In a study of children and teens ages 5 to 17 published in the "Journal of Pediatrics" in 2007, 70 percent of overweight youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Type 2 Diabetes

At one point, type 2 diabetes was considered an adult health problem, but no more. The rise in obesity in children and teens has significantly contributed to the rise in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces to control blood glucose levels. It can lead to complications such as nerve damage, vision problems, weight gain and foot problems.

Osteoarthritis

Being obese places extra pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Eventually, teens can develop osteoarthritis, which causes joint pain, stiffness and damage and interferes with your daily activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, and participating in sports. Osteoarthritis is also a degenerative condition and will become worse as your teen gets older.

Mental Health Problems

The effects of obesity on your teen aren't just physical. Obesity can also lower your teen's self-esteem. Obese teens may also develop disorders such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Treatment

Work with your family doctor to develop a treatment plan for your teen's obesity. As AACAP, points out, long-term weight loss is possible only if your teen is motivated. To support your teen at home, develop healthy eating habits, such as serving only nutritious meals with vegetables, fruits, lean protein and whole grains. Encourage your teen to get more involved in aerobic activities such as swimming, walking or cycling. Your teen might also benefit from joining a support group such as Overeaters Anonymous.