Teenage Obesity and Weight Loss, Dangers of Being Overweight

In the last twenty years plus, the number of obese teenagers has tripled to almost nine million. The rise in teen-age obesity is staggering. Being overweight is difficult for anyone, but for teenagers the effects can be worse and include health problems and being entirely left out social scene.

Along with the rise in obesity numbers has been the rise in the number of children diagnosed with type two diabetes. This more severe form of diabetes used to only be seen in adults over the age of 40, lately research points to the increased obesity as the culprit. Type 2 diabetes can cause renal failure, blindness, and even death.

Sleep apnea causes those who have it to stop breathing for a brief time during sleep. People that are obese can suffer from sleep apnea, because it can cause breathing problems when lying down. The oxygen insufficiency which results may, depending on the circumstances, lead to major problems ranging from heart and brain damage to death.

Only recently have studies begun to show that asthma may have an obesity link. Severely overweight people the lungs under-expand leading to a narrowing of the airways. It has also been suggested that the low-grade systemic inflammation common in the obese, this inflammation can affect smooth muscle tissue and cause even more restriction of the airways.

Unfortunately teenagers have more to worry about than their physical health. School time can be a nightmare for the overweight teenager. Other kids are cruel and say nasty things to them. Often time's teenagers who are overweight will become withdrawn and depressed, adding another ailment to the growing list of concerns.

Teen's eating habits are a big factor in obesity of that age group. Teens are known for their preference for junk food. Vending machines containing junk food have been removed in many school districts. They have replaced them with juice, water, and healthy snacks.

In order for the teenager to go one-step further, they must begin to change their diet at home. Healthy home cooked meals need to replace the high caloric fast foods they so love.

The best plan is to slowly introduce healthier choices in your diet. Three regular meals per day and two snacks. Throw away packaged foods in favor of home made. Portion control, start with a small amount on the plate, and eat slowly. Remember they do not have to clean the plate! Balance the diet, have several helpings of fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water, sometimes when we think we are hungry it is actually thirst, plus a well-hydrated body functions better.

In the way of exercise the teenagers are getting less and less. Due to all the increased activities that do no require physical activity, most teenagers do not get much exercise. Televisions should have viewing limits and should not be in the bedroom. Two great ideas for family exercise is walking or riding bikes.

You can always think up some creative chores that will help them to get some exercise if nothing else works. No matter what it takes but your goal is to get them moving.

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