Adolescent obesity is a serious health risk that is on the rise and is considered the second leading cause of preventable deaths in America. Junk food and a sedentary lifestyle are the main culprits, causing over 300,000 deaths annually. Obesity is a chronic disease that is recognizable but challenging to deal with. Overweight and obesity are often confused, with the latter defined as being at least 10% heavier than the recommended weight for one's body structure and height. It is estimated that the obesity problem costs the country $100 billion annually.
Obesity in adolescence is a significant concern, as it can persist into adulthood. Eighty percent of obese children aged 10 to 13 are likely to become obese adults unless they adopt a healthier lifestyle. The problem of obesity can begin as early as age five and continue through adolescence. Obesity is a complex problem caused by various factors, including biological, genetic, cultural, and behavioral factors. Overconsumption of calories and a lack of physical activity are often responsible for obesity. A person's likelihood of becoming obese increases to 50% if one parent is obese, and to 80% if both parents are obese. In some cases, obesity may be caused by medical disorders. The causes of obesity in adolescence include overeating, bad eating habits, little or no exercise, medical illness, low self-esteem, medication, depression, emotional problems, stressful life events, and family problems.
Obesity can cause several severe health problems, including diabetes, sleeping disorders, high blood pressure, breathing problems, emotional problems, and an increased risk of heart disease. Adolescents are more likely to suffer from emotional problems due to obesity, such as low self-esteem, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety.
To tackle adolescent obesity, it is essential to consult a pediatrician to identify the cause of the problem. If no physical disorder is responsible, weight can be reduced by limiting calorie intake and increasing physical activity. The doctor can recommend a weight management program that gradually changes eating habits. Teenagers should avoid oily, fatty, fast, and junk food and reduce their portion sizes to decrease calorie intake. An adolescent psychiatrist can help develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes reasonable goals, behavior modification, family participation, and physical activity management if the teenager has developed emotional problems due to obesity.
Self-motivation is crucial to losing weight, and families can support the adolescent by making healthy food choices and exercising regularly. Parents should boost their children's self-esteem by focusing on their strengths and encouraging them, rather than targeting their weight problem. The whole family should eat meals together, focusing on the food and quantity consumed. Support groups can also help the teenager achieve their goals if they do not receive support from family members. After losing weight, it is essential to maintain healthy eating and exercise habits to prevent obesity from becoming a lifetime issue
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