Obesity in Teens

Obesity in teens has become a disease of pandemic significance, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is equally threatening the developing world and developed countries.

Facts about obesity in teens

1. According to the American Heart Association's Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, prevalence of obesity in teens is as high as 15%.

2. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry reports that the obesity in teens, due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year.

Causes of Obesity in teens

• Unhealthy eating habits
• Binge eating
• Stress of academics, separations, abuse
• Physical inactivity
• Low self-esteem
• Genetic cause
• Endocrine and neurological diseases
• Steroids and some psychiatric medications
• Family problems

obesity in teens

Risks of Obesity in teens

Obesity in teens can shorten their life expectancy by causing negative effects on their physical health and well-being. It can also cause stress, social disability, unhappiness and mental illness in teens.

Obesity in teens can lead to diabetes and sleep problems during adolescence and heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, joint problems, some forms of cancer, depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder later in life.


Prevention of obesity in teens

The prevention of obesity in teens isn't significantly different than obesity in children and involves physical activity and a healthy and nutritious diet, which can play an important role in the prevention of obesity in teenagers. Parents should encourage their kids to expend the same amount of calories they consume, in order to prevent obesity in teens.

Governments should pay attention to this problem and implement wellness policies that address nutrition and physical activity. A practical was step taken by U.S. Congress in the form of Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, in order to prevent obesity in teens.