Teenage Obesity and Weight Loss, Dangers of Being Overweight
Nov 30th, 2008 by Ricardo daryans
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.
Sufferning form quit breathing for a while of short periods while sleeping is one of the most disorders is known as sleep apnea. The apnea means difficulty. Sleep apnea can often be caused by obesity as there is a lack of muscle tone around the airway. The lack of oxygen can cause major medical problems with the brain and heart, sometimes causing death.
Asthma may have an obesity link are the sudies that begun to show only recently. In cases of severe obesity the lungs cannot properly expand causing constriction of the airways. Also, its been suggested that the low grade systematic inflammation common in obese, this inflammation can affect smooth muscle tissue and cause 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 Often time’s teenagers who are overweight will become withdrawn and depressed, adding another ailment to the growing list of concerns.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.
To go one-step further the teenager should begin changing their diet at home. Stop eating the high calorie fast food they are so in love with and opt instead for healthy home cooked meals.
A great idea is to plan your diet choices to be slowly added to your regular diet. Three regular meals per day and two snacks. Throw away packaged foods in favor of home made. Placing a little amounts of food on your plate and eating them slowly -remember they do not have to clean the plate!- is referred as portion control. You should include several servings of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are consuming a balanced and healthy diet. You should drink alot of water because somtimes when we think we are hungry we are actually thirsty, and alot of water is very healthy.
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.
If all else fails come up with some creative chores they can do to get some exercise. Mowing the lawn, raking leaves or shoveling snow are all good forms of exercise. Your goal is to get them moving no matter what it takes.
