Teen Obesity Causes and Risks
Why Kids are Gaining Weight, and How They Can Stay Healthy
Mar 18, 2009
Many adults struggle with weight issues and are well aware of the impact their weight may have on their overall health. But this is a concern for teens as well, and recent studies may indicate the risks are greater than once thought.
Percentage of Overweight or Obese Teens
Between 1999 and 2004 there were significant increases in the amount of teens who were overweight. For girls, the number grew from 13.8% to 16%, and for boys, the number grew from 14% to 18.2%. (CDC, Obesity Still a Major Problem, 2006). If these trends continue, these numbers will grow even larger, increasing the weight-related health risks and problems for kids.
Possible Risk of Early Death
A recent study in the British Medical Journal tracked over 45,000 Swedish men for nearly forty years and found that being overweight during the teen years had an effect similar to that of smoking on early death. The study found that “in late adolescence, overweight was as hazardous as smoking 1-10 cigarettes a day, while obesity was as hazardous as smoking more than 10 cigarettes a day.” (Neovius, Sundstrom and Rasmussen, Combined effects of overweight and smoking in late adolescence on subsequent mortality: nationwide cohort study, British Medical Journal, 2009; 338:b49.)
This finding is significant because while it is well known, even among teens, that smoking can lead to early death, many do not consider being overweight to be the risk that it is. The dangers of smoking are well-established and publicized; more clearly needs to be done to spread the word about the dangers of being overweight.
Overweight Teen Health Risks
In addition to the risk of early death, overweight and obese teens are also at increased risk for a variety of medical illnesses and conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Heavy teens may also have problems regulating mood, sleep, and energy levels, as well as have self-esteem and social problems related to their weight issues. These secondary issues may even compound the weight problems by making it difficult to stick to a healthy eating and exercise program.
Possible Causes of Weight Problems in Teens
There are societal and cultural factors that are contributing to this epidemic of obesity in young people. They include the following:
- Kids often have poor eating habits. Many families eat on the run or have little time for planning healthful meals. Kids may also eat to satisfy emotional needs rather than hunger, and as a result, lose the ability to regulate their hunger effectively.
- Many kids don’t get exercise on a daily basis. They spend the bulk of their time indoors or in planned, structured activities that leave little time or space for physical activity.
- Unhealthy junk and fast food is plentiful, cheap, and heavily advertised to kids. Some schools even rely on selling these types of foods to students because they are money makers.
Possible Solutions to Weight Problems in Teens
- Encourage kids to get more exercise. Cut out TV time, get outside in the fresh air, join a sport, or just take a walk. It’s important to incorporate some physical movement into each day. Support school PE classes to help promote the importance of physical activity.
- Provide kids with nutritional education. Kids need guidance in replacing junk food with healthier choices. Check out the Kids Nutrition website for ideas.
- Be a good role model. When kids see adults exercising and making good food choices, they are more likely to do the same.
With help and support, kids can get their weight issues under control before they turn into a lifelong problem. By doing so, they will feel better, reduce their health risks, and increase their participation in physical activity.
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