The rise in teen-age obesity is staggering.
Since 1980 the number of obese teenagers has tripled, today nearly nine million teens under the age of 15 are obese.
Being overweight is hard enough but when you are a teenager it is even worse, there are health risks and social stigmatism.
Health Risks 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 Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the sufferer quits breathing for short periods while sleeping.
When a person is obese, there is little muscle tone around the airway and this can lead to sleep apnea.
The resulting oxygen deficiencies can cause major medical problems, like brain damage, heart problems, and death.
Asthma 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.
Social Issues Unfortunately teen agers have more to worry about than their physical health.
School time can be a nightmare for the overweight teen ager.
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Often time's teenagers who are overweight will become withdrawn and depressed, adding another ailment to the growing list of concerns.
Tips to Fight Obesity A major contributor to obesity in teens is their eating habits.
Teens are known for their preference for junk food.
Many school districts are doing their part to combat this by taking out vending machines that contain candy, chips, and sodas.
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.
Keys to a better diet: oThree regular meals per day and two snacks oThrow away packaged foods in favor of home made oPortion control, start with a small amount on the plate, and eat slowly.
Remember they do not have to clean the plate! oBalance the diet, have several helpings of fruits and vegetables oDrink plenty of water, sometimes when we think we are hungry it is actually thirst, plus a well-hydrated body functions better oDo not eat in front of the television; many times, we mindlessly eat when watching TV.
The best plan is to slowly introduce healthier choices in your diet.
If you attempt to go 100% health food, you will likely encounter a mutiny! Small steps are the best when making a whole life shift.
Exercise Teenagers are getting less and less in the way of exercise.
Increased television access, internet surfing and video games have made many a teenager almost sedentary.
Take the television out of the bedroom and insist on viewing limits.
Same thing goes for video games and computers.
Instead go for a walk as a family, or perhaps get bikes for everyone.
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.