Causes of Obesity in Adolescents

Obesity, which has become a leading cause of morbidity in America, is a chronic disease posing several serious health risks to the individual. Although obesity is easily recognizable it is frequently very difficult to deal with. More than three hundred thousand deaths a year can be directly attributable to obesity and the problem is on the rise.

Definition of Obesity

Overweight and obesity are often used interchangeably. Being overweight, though, is really only about gaining a few extra pounds. When a person is considered obese, this means that the individual's total body weight is, at a minimum, ten percent more than the recommended weight for their body structure and height.

Not only is the problem an expensive public health concern, with one estimate stating that a hundred billion dollars are spent every year on the obesity problem, it has important implications for the health of our children. Children between the ages of ten and thirteen who are obese have an eighty percent chance of growing into obese adults. The problem usually starts from the age of five and continues through adolescence.

Causes of Obesity

The causes of obesity in adolescence are numerous and include a host of biological, genetic, cultural and behavioral factors. Overeating, family history, bad eating habits, little or no exercise, medical illness, low self esteem, medications, depression, emotional problems, stressful life, and family problems have all been implicated. One percent of obesity is caused by medical disorders.

Obesity in America

Obesity is responsible for causing a number of major health problems. These problems include diabetes, sleeping disorders, high blood pressure, breathing problems, emotional problems and an increase in heart disease risk. Teenagers are more prone to developing emotional problems. Because of the weight, they often develop problems of low self esteem. They become depressed and anxious and may develop some decidedly unhealthy coping mechanisms for dealing with being obese.

If your teen has a problem with obesity and wishes to tackle the problem, your pediatrician should be approached. He will thoroughly evaluate the cause. If the obesity cannot be attributed to a physical disorder, then the doctor can assist the adolescent with an appropriate weight management program designed to gradually change the eating habits of the teenager. Collaboration with other health care team members in order to develop a comprehensive plan for treatment is invaluable. The plan should include reasonable goals, behavior modification, family participation, and the management of physical activity.

Parents can play a major role in boosting the self esteem of their obese adolescent by focusing on their strengths and by encouraging their efforts, instead of targeting the weight problem. The whole family should become involved by eating healthy meals together. Deciding to lose weight and adopt better eating habits is not a short term event. It is a new way of living. Exercising and eating right is a lifestyle choice and the obese adolescent should be supported in their efforts by their loved ones. It is too easy to shift back to the old habits and they need you now more than ever to help them reach their goals by being a powerful example.