Obesity in adolescents is a growing problem that has worsened in recent times and the rates are increasing every year. The United States is one of the leading leaders in adolescent obesity. Some reports indicated that up to 33% of adolescents are now obese. More than 25% of schoolchildren are believed to be overweight and, in fact, obese, with nearly a quarter of them at risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and possibly premature death. The worst thing is that according to a research study done on obesity in adolescents, it was found that adolescents aged ten to thirteen would have an 80% chance of becoming obese adults.

What are the possible causes of obesity?

Obesity in adolescents can result when the adolescent has more than 10% additional weight over the suggested weight for that particular height. Obesity in children and adolescents will occur when their total energy intake is greater than the total energy expended, which is the energy consumed by the child or adolescent during exercise or physical activity. There are quite a few factors to consider when analyzing the problem.

Family history

If there is a family history of obesity, it is very likely that the adolescent will also develop obesity … With parents over-preparing food, unbalanced diet, or both parents are working and there is no time to prepare food, all of this can lead to developing bad eating habits. for teens when they went to their own devices.

Meal

As time goes by, the way we prepare food and the frequency has varied, and it is very different from the way our ancestors did. Back then, our ancestors cooked from scratch, but now fast food restaurants and fast foods are available everywhere, just dial a number. Some research studies show that teens eat an average of four fast food meals per week. This will lead to the list of causes: unhealthy eating habits and poor food choices.

Stress

Teenagers are under tremendous peer pressure at school and in their everyday lives. There can be stressful events in the adolescent’s life, such as death, divorce, or even abuse. Many teens react to stress by eating excessively. On top of that, it can also result in not only being looked down on by other people, but also your own self-esteem being affected. A large percentage of overweight adolescents have been found to be clinically depressed. While depression can often cause overeating, generally being obese can also cause depression. Depression can lead to low self-esteem and, if the problem is not treated, it can lead to suicide in a teenager.

Medically and psychologically

There may also be medical problems that require teens to take medications such as steroids, although medical problems account for only about 1% of adolescent obesity. Overweight teens, in particular, may not be affected as physically as psychologically, becoming the targets of teasing, teasing, and abuse by other teens at school and in the community.

Lack of exercise

Today’s lifestyle is very different from ten years ago, with modern technology and fast food offering little to improve health. Today, teens are so excited to spend all day and night in front of computers, game box, or any game console playing their love game. Some teens can sit and watch TV while texting their good friends. Many teens now own a car, so the ability to walk is also reduced.

Looking for relief

Obesity in teens literally takes years off their lives. They are setting the stage for type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory and high blood pressure problems. Treatment for obesity in adolescents should focus on long-term changes in diet, regular exercise, and family support should be available for adolescents to avoid drastic changes in body weight. It is essential that parents manage this problem before it worsens.

Balanced diet

To control obesity in teens, teens may need a healthy, balanced diet. Putting a child on a diet is impossible. The medical profession does not recommend it because they are still growing and need a lot of nutrients to build strong bones. Dieting also leads to failure because not many people can go on a diet for life. When we are preparing meals at home, be sure to choose foods that are high in nutritional content. Try to stay away from processed and fried foods. Don’t try to take away the foods that children like; Allow children to eat these foods less often. Denying a child’s favorite fast foods will only lead to failure. Involve teens in meal preparation. Teach them to make the right choices, a balanced meal without sacrificing taste.

Regular exercise

Obesity in children is often the result of too little exercise. Regular exercise is considered as important as good nutrition. If children are encouraged to develop regular exercise during childhood, they are much more likely to carry it with them into adulthood. Involve them in some type of physical activity like gardening, cleaning the house, or washing the car. Practice some type of outdoor sports, such as swimming, basketball or hiking on the nature trails in the area.

Family support

It is important to remember to show your support. Obesity in adolescents is a serious problem and parents, family members, must approach this problem with constant love and support. Reinforce the need for a healthy lifestyle and remember to offer rewards and praise when teens reach goals. Keeping your children healthy gives them the best chance of living a long and healthy life.