Teenage Obesity

Teenage obesity is on the increase, but in many cases all that is required is for the parents to step in before the child reaches that stage. All youngsters like fast-food, but encouragement must come from their elders to try to steer them toward healthier choices; at the very least smaller portions. They need to be made aware of the importance of a healthy active social life to avoid becoming another statistic of teenage obesity. If they shy away from team sports, then maybe individual pursuits such as swimming or cycling could be to their liking; anything just to keep them active. They need to be persuaded that their teenage obesity is not irreversible and made to realise the benefits they will get from changing their eating habits.

Their self esteem will be very low if they genuinely believe they are heading for teenage obesity, with no alternative in sight. If explained correctly, such as pointing out exercise and changes in diet will improve their energy levels; give them more confidence and thus make more friends; allow them better choices in clothes and so on; their acceptance of inevitable teenage obesity will diminish and hopefully, the damage can still be rectified and the threat of teenage obesity avoided. Parents should provide a range of healthy snacks that the teenager can grab for themselves - a variety of whole wheat cereals, different breads, fresh fruit, fat free yogurt etc. A teenager loves a little independence, but a little direction never goes amiss! If they really love junk food, to evade the onset of teenage obesity, cook your own at home rather than allowing them take-aways. Use lean steak to make burgers, serve on a whole wheat bread, with lots of salad. If they eat at school, find out what options are available and talk to them about the best choices to make, without coming across as dictating. No child wants to be embarrassed in front of their mates, so don't insist on packed lunches, but sensible parenting can work wonders. Teenage obesity is just as serious a problem for the youth of today as the eating disorders like: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating; so gentle persuasion, rather than a forceful, unsympathetic attitude is the order of the day.