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Teenage Obesity - Can We Overcome This Epidemic?

By Kelly Yuile

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Published: 20Nov2008
Word count: 558
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Too many of our teenagers are drastically over weight. The shocking fact is that 14% of our teenagers suffer from obesity. That number has doubled since the 1970s. The illnesses that can affect teenage obesity are vast and include high blood pressure, diabetes and, heart disease. Why has the teenager obesity rate doubled?

Many experts blame the obesity effect on the technology of video games, video arcades and, too many television channels to choose from. Sadly, it's not as often anymore that we see a bunch of children playing kick-ball in the school or park. Nor do we see pick-up stickball or softball games. Can we blame this all on technology? Some, but perhaps not.

Society itself has made the family unit more private these days and instead of neighbourhoods full of closeness, children, and parents who all know each other, we have developed into a society of staying in and playing in. Too many state and local governments are the first to cut park and park supervision expenses. After all, parents are so busy themselves and at the end of the day, their energy level isn't helping the teenage obesity problem or their own overweight issues.

Hollywood still promotes those frail and skinny men and women that our children are supposed to emulate. Let's all get real here, most of these photos are airbrushed, and we shouldn't teach our children that their appearance is the best appearance. Further, we can't expect the everyday teenager to look at those pictures and movies and then the mirror and set a goal to look like that — that's just absurd! So how can we get our teenagers who suffer from obesity to change their lifestyle, eat healthy, and get more exercise?

First, we must start at home and limit television, computer and, video time. As a parent, to encourage it is only pushing your teenager into obesity. Many parents are also guilty of over-providing snacks that are not healthy and contain too many calories for a sedentary teenager. A good place to start in your home when dealing with teenage obesity is to have an honest and open family meeting.

At this meeting, discuss what things your teenagers like to do and don't like to do. Be honest and explain to them that their lifestyle is dangerous and unhealthy. Don't shade the conversation with roses, if they don't know how obesity can affect them, they'll continue on the obesity trail. Talk about eating right and what foods the family will be eating in the future and make sure you participate in the new healthy diet yourself. Finally, as tired as you might be after a long day at work, put on some sneakers and get your teenager outside. Actually, a healthy jog, walk, or basketball game can give you more energy than just sitting around.

The teenage obesity problem will continue to exist in today's society if we don't join together as a family and give examples to other families with teenage obesity problems. We may lose our children long before their time—that's how important this is and that's why you need to set goals and make sure your child lives a happy, healthy life that is full of good food and exercise and fun.

Kelly Yuile writes about the issues of being overweight, dieting and weight loss. Her website http://teenageweightlossguide.com is dedicated to healthy, safe and effective weight loss for teenagers.

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