Nearly 17 percent of U.S. teens up to age 19 were obese, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2007-2008. Obesity is a serious medical condition that can cause health problems which can follow teens into adulthood. Despite the high percentage of teen obesity however, there are ways that overweight teens can slim down and achieve a healthy weight.
Teen Obesity
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an obese teen is one whose body fat content meets or exceeds 20 percent of their total body weight. Doctors use a tool known as the BMI calculator to measure an individual's body fat percentages. Unlike the BMI calculator used to diagnose obesity in adults, the BMI calculator used to diagnose teen obesity also takes age and gender into account. This is because body fat levels naturally change with age and vary by gender.
Causes
Poor diet and lack of exercise are two of the most common causes of teen obesity. Teens today typically consume high amounts of unhealthy foods like fast food, processed food and sugary snacks. Eating high-fat foods on a regular basis can lead to unwanted weight gain. Teens today also tend to spend long periods of time engaging in sedentary activities like watching television or playing video games. When teens fail to get regular exercise their bodies are unable to burn off unused calories.
Effects
The high percentage of teen obesity means that increasing numbers of teens now face potentially dangerous medical conditions prematurely. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being obese increases a teen's risk for developing heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, gall bladder disease and fatty liver disease. Some obese teens will also develop problems with self-esteem and self-confidence, and may even or struggle with social relationships.
Solution
Exercise and diet change are two of the most effective ways to combat teen obesity. Parents and schools should educate teens about making healthy food choices and should make healthy meals available to teens at home and at school. Adults should also encourage teens to get off of the couch and get more exercise. Participating in team or solo sports can help obese teens to burn off more calories and become more physically fit. While diet and exercise are essential to helping obese teens lose weight, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends consulting a doctor first before placing your teen on a diet.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tips for Parents -- Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: NCHS Data Brief
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Understanding Adult Obesity
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Teen Obesity
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