Concerns With Adolescent Obesity

Not only are there more adults that are considered obese, now adolescent obesity is also on the rise. This is a concern for those in the medical community and many parents who are concerned that their children are now in this group and will have continuing medical problems.

The Dangers of Adolescent Obesity

Adolescent obesity has some of the same risk factors involved that adult obesity also has. Adolescents that are considered obese have a much higher incident of type 2 diabetes that can affect the rest of their lives. This condition can become very serious and when developed in adolescents because of obesity, is a major concern.

Adolescent obesity is also associated with high blood pressure, again a problem that can survive into adulthood. High blood pressure is a problem for many, and can affect the heart.

The Causes of Adolescent Obesity

Many parents believe that their child may suffer from a thyroid or other endocrine system problem, and that is why they are obese. Most cases of adolescent obesity are not due to this, and a simple blood test can determine if this is a cause of adolescent obesity.

The bottom line is that adolescent obesity is caused by taking in more calories than a body burns. Often the root cause of adolescent obesity is a sedentary lifestyle. Many teenagers are not involved in activities that promote physical activity. Any sports program is a way for teenagers to not only become physically active, but also involve them in social interactions.

Unfortunately, when a teenager is obese, their self-esteem suffers and they are very reluctant to become involved in sports or other social situations. This is a by product of adolescent obesity that keeps teenagers in the cycle of obesity.

One of the best ways to help adolescents is to teach them proper nutrition. Focusing on weight gain may have a negative effect, as the teenager may not feel they are successful when they haven't lost a specific amount of weight.

What should be emphasized is learning portion size and proper foods to eat for a good balanced diet. There are even cooking schools that offer adolescents cooking classes that will teach how to create a balanced menu.

When dealing with adolescent obesity, it needs to be kept in mind that the idea is to create a healthier lifestyle that can be obtained through out their lives. Giving them the skills needed to make decisions about food choices is a good basis that they will always have.

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