Teen Obesity
Overweight and obesity affect people of all ages, including children and adolescents. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese.
Although carrying a few extra pounds as a teen isn’t necessarily a problem, if left unaddressed, it can lead to health complications later in life. Because obesity often begins during childhood or adolescence, it is important to intervene early on. Research has shown that a child who is obese between 10 and 13 years of age has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.
If a child’s weight is 10 percent higher than what is recommended for their height and body type, they are considered obese.
Causes of Teen Obesity
As a simple equation, obesity is caused by consuming more calories than you burn. But obesity is often linked to deep-rooted emotional issues and habits that have formed over many years. Teen obesity can be related to any of the following:
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise
- Frequent overeating
- Genetics
- Medical problems or medications
- Stress or trauma
- Family conflict or relationship troubles
- Low self-esteem
- Depression or other emotional problems
Consequences of Obesity
Obesity cuts lives short. Obese teens may begin to struggle with the following complications:
- Higher risk of heart disease
- Breathing problems
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure and cholesterol
- Sleep problems
These conditions typically worsen over time, leading many obese teens to develop health problems decades before they otherwise would. Just as damaging are the emotional consequences of obesity, which may include depression, low self-esteem, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Treating Teen Obesity
Obesity is preventable with a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise and counseling. For many teens, obesity is a lifelong struggle. In order to lose weight and keep it off, teens need to change old habits and embrace a new way of life. Some of the strategies that aid in combating obesity include:
- Participating in weight loss camp, sometimes called “fat camp,” to learn a new set of skills and break unhealthy habits
- Eating nutritious, well-balanced meals
- Avoiding junk food and fast food
- Eating smaller portions
- Exercising most days of the week
- Eating meals as a family
- Limiting snacks
- Getting support from others
