One third of young people between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight or obese as of 2011, according to Kids Health. Young people have diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes that used to only affect adults. Because teens are still growing and developing, it is not an easy task to figure out if their are overweight. Doctors often use body mass index, or BMI, to determine overweight. A BMI at or above the 95th percentile on a chart is considered obese, while a BMI equal or greater than the 85th but less than the 95th is considered overweight.
Why Overweight?
Some people are genetically programmed to gain weight more easily than others, due to slower metabolisms. Many people experience weight gain due to unhealthy food choices, such as fast food. Habits like eating in front of a television rather than at a table can also influence weight gain. Larger portion sizes and less active lifestyles are contributing factors, while calorie-laden snacks with low nutrient levels add fuel to the fire.
Essential Steps to Weight Control
Teen Growth website gives the following steps to controlling weight for teenagers. First, see your doctor for a check-up and get advice on your healthy weight range. Your doctor can evaluate whether you have any glandular disorders or diabetes that could be contributing. Be willing to commit to changing your health habits for the rest of your life. Teens with a tendency toward overweight will have to make a lifetime commitment to vigilance about weight. Eat less saturated fat, cut down on portion sizes, choose fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks and drink water instead of sodas. Add regular exercise into your daily routine, by finding sports you enjoy. Try for a minimum of 40 minutes of aerobic activity 4 times a week. Learn to love yourself and your body, regardless of your weight. Remember that you are not your weight.
What Parents Can Do
Offer support and understanding to your teen by reminding her there is no perfect body or perfect weight. Steer the conversation away from "fat" and "thin" to practicing behaviors that help maintain a healthy weight. Help your teen understand that quick fixes like fad diets don't address the crux of the problem and have health risks of their own. Promote an active lifestyle, with some type of physical activity each day. Team sports or walking or biking to school all burn calories. Encourage her to eat breakfast to jump start her metabolism and give her energy for the day.
Healthy Snacking
In a world where vending machines are on every corner, it is sometimes difficult to encourage healthy choices. These snacks can be made at home and are portable in a lunchbox or snack bag: frozen grapes, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, pretzels, sliced vegetables, oranges, strawberries or other fresh fruit, graham crackers, low-fat yogurt and string cheese. The calories in liquid snacks can add up quickly. Sodas, fruit juice and specialty coffees can be replaced with water, seltzer water or unsalted club soda.
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