Teen Obesity: A Rising Problem in the U.S.

Teenage obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and teenagers are obese. While obesity is easy to recognize, it is one of the most difficult medical conditions to treat. The earlier teenagers work towards a healthy weight the more likely they will grow into healthy adults.

What is obesity?

Generally, teenagers are not considered obese until their weight is at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for height and body type. Studies have shown obese pre-teens and teens have an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult. Therefore it is essential for teens to pursue healthy changes at a young age to help reduce and prevent the risk of serious health conditions.

What causes obesity?

Less than 1 percent of all obesity in teenagers is caused by physical problems. Simply stated, when a teenager eats more calories than their body burns up, they become obese. Teenage obesity results from:
• Poor eating habits
• Overeating or binging
• Lack of activity
• Family history
• Depression
• Stressful events (i.e. divorce, deaths)
• Low self-esteem

What health conditions are obese teens at risk for?

Obese teenagers are at an increased risk for serious medical conditions such as:
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• breathing problems
• sleep apnea

These teens are also at a greater risk for emotional issues, low self-esteem and difficulty relating to peers. It is also common for teens with weight problems to suffer from anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder as well as anxiety issues.

As this trend in teenage obesity continues to increase, weight loss camps and weight management programs have popped up all over the country. Many camps offer great short-term results but teens often gain the weight back quickly when they return home to the same routines. Weight management programs provide better long-term results because they focus on teaching teens tools to use in order to succeed when they return home.

Many programs have expanded their services to provide support services once the student has left the program. It is important to give teens the confidence they need in order to maintain their weight loss.

“Studies have also shown that families who work together with their teens give them a greater opportunity for success” said Bonnie Robertson, CRNP, Director of Elk River Lifestyle Challenge. “Teens need parental support to reach and maintain a healthy weight.”

A child psychiatrist can also help a family deal with the emotional issues of being obese. By working with the family physician, an adolescent psychiatrist can help develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes attainable weight loss goals; diet, nutrition and exercise programs; and behavior modification, counseling, and family involvement.

It’s never too late to make positive lifestyle changes resulting not only in a healthy weight but reduced risk of serious health conditions and emotional issues.

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