Teen obesity is a serious health problem in the United States, with far-reaching and sobering consequences. According to the American Obesity Association, about 30.4 percent of American teenagers are overweight and 15 percent of teens are considered medically obese. As a result, close to half of the teenagers in America are at risk of developing weight-related health problems. The Society for Adolescent Medicine cautions that the increase in the amount of obese teens may lead to a decrease in life expectancy in the United States for the first time in 200 years.
Teen Obesity Features
Obesity is an excessive accumulation of body fat causing an individual to be 20 percent heavier than the ideal body weight. Obesity most commonly begins either in childhood between ages of 5 and 6, or during adolescence, notes the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Teens are obese when their BMI -- or body mass index -- exceeds 30 percent. Whatever definition is used, it is clear that overweight children often become overweight adults. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that an adolescent who is obese at age 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.
Teen Obesity Causes
Experts agree that the primary causes of teen obesity are poor diet -- including consumption of junk food and sugary drinks -- and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. Other factors include low self-esteem, depression and family history, and having one obese parent results in a 50 percent chance that children will be obese as well. In spite of the perception that medical problems play a significant role in contributing to obesity, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that medical disorders are actually responsible less than 1 percent of the time.
Teen Obesity Dangers
Negative consequences of teen obesity include an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and stroke, as well as shortened life expectancy. There is also an increased risk of sleep disturbances, including apnea. That the reproductive system, skeleton and physical abilities are also adversely affected. In addition, obese teens can suffer from stress, self consciousness, negative body image and social ostracism. Overweight teens are more likely to be involved in incidents of bullying, both as victims and perpetrators.
Teen Obesity Treatment
Patterns that lead to teen obesity can be corrected, but the subject must be handled with sensitivity to avoid risk of triggering unhealthy food-restricting behaviors and eating disorders. Guiding a teen to gradually change eating habits -- while encouraging a more active lifestyle -- can be effective. Eating slowly, developing a routine, planning healthy meals, using portion control, eating meals as a family, and attending support groups such as Overeaters Anonymous can all be helpful.
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