Obesity In Children And Teens: What To Do To Prevent This Medical Issue

Child obesity is regarded as a serious medical condition that affects millions of children and teens worldwide. In United States alone, obesity has reached to epidemic proportions with 1 out of 5 children between the ages of 6 and 17 afflicted with such condition. Although obesity in children is considered as the easiest medical condition to recognize, it is nevertheless, one of the most difficult to treat. Alarmingly, the annual cost of obesity has already reached to a staggering $100 billion, not to mention that it is responsible for over 300,000 deaths per year.



A child or teen gaining a few extra pounds does not exactly mean that he or she is already obese. Child obesity is developed when the child or teen has significantly exceeded the weight appropriate for his or her age and height. This can be calculated using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The onset of obesity usually takes place between the ages of 5 and 6, but could also occur during adolescence. Studies have shown that if obesity is not given immediate medical attention, it is likely that the child or teen would become obese until his or her adulthood.



The cause of child obesity is a combination of genetic, behavioral and cultural factors, making it far more complex. The onset of obesity in children and teens may be rooted from poor eating habits, binging or overeating, lack of exercise, low self esteem, stressful life events, family and peer issues, depression, and family history of obesity, medical illnesses and medications. Sadly, the inability of parents to seek medical attention for their obese children during the early stage of the disease could actually lead to serious complications that could alter the physical, social and emotional well-being of these kids. Physical consequences include the onset of type two diabetes, metabolic syndrome, sleep disorders, high cholesterol and blood pressure, asthma and other respiratory problems as well as early puberty and menstruation. Social and emotional complications include low self esteem, bullying, behavioral and learning issues, and depression.



Due to the many dangers related to child and teenage obesity, it is imperative that parents are proactive in encouraging their kids to lead a healthy lifestyle. Whilst child and teenage weight loss is never an easy task to accomplish, the key to keeping kids of all ages healthy is to approach the issue as a whole-family challenge. As they say, "practice what you preach" and you will pass this mentality to your children. Hence, as a parent, it is important that you make healthy eating and regular exercising an affair that your family will actively take part in.



There is no universal fast teen diet plan because this greatly depends on the physical condition of your child. Yet, as most medical professionals would suggest, it is necessary that you give emphasis on providing your family with a low-carb diet in order to reduce the carbohydrate consumption of your kids, which often causes weigh gain. As much as possible let your kids help you in planning and preparing meals for the family, and take them with you when you hit the grocery as these activities would help them in understanding the importance of healthy food selections. Additionally, encourage your kids to participate in various physical activities. But, before you actually let your child work out in the gym or in a youth center, you have to consult first with your family physician to know what physical activities your child should engage in. Through this, you can be assured that the exercise your child will engage is indeed appropriate for his or her age, health and overall condition.



Always bear in mind that obesity can become a lifelong issue, especially if left unaided. Therefore, as a parent, you have to see to it that you follow a natural and systematic teenage weight loss program that is tailored to the needs of your child. Also, do not forget to raise the self-esteem of your child by emphasizing his or her strengths and positive attributes instead of his or her weight problem. Doing this could greatly encourage him or her to manage the weight challenge without going to the extreme. By living a healthy lifestyle, you are setting a good example to your family and a healthy environment with which they will be encouraged to follow.