Obesity; It's Your Decision
By: Carter Williams
Which one would you choose to eat?
Food Is Your Fuel
Food is your fuel for things, it's not something just to have. People commonly confuse their hunger with their cravings. Here are some tips on how to tell the difference.
Hunger
- Your are physically hungry and getting signals from your stomach (such as growling) and your brain (lack of concentration, headache, fatigue)
- Any food would solve your hunger
- Does not go away unless you eat
Cravings
- You are emotionally ready
- Only one food will cure your hunger, emotions will intensifies the more you think about it
- Cravings pass and go if given time. By doing things to keep you occupied, cravings disappear
JUST THE FACTS
According to the American Obesity Association, about 30.4 percent of teenagers are overweight, and 15.5 percent of teens are obese. 1 out of 3 North Carolina children are obese.
45.9 percent of teens are at risk for developing health problems due to weight.
Main causes of teen obesity
45.9 percent of teens are at risk for developing health problems due to weight.
- 12 percent of parents feel their children are overweight
- 78 percent feel that P.E. classes should not be removed from school curriculum
- 27 percent of parents feel teens today eat less nutritiously than they did
- 24 percent of today's parents feel teens get less physical exercise
- 8-12 years of age kids watch 4 hours of T.V. + 2 hours computer time daily
- 40% of adults do not engage in regular physical activity
Main causes of teen obesity
- Increased intake of "junk" food
- Drinking sugary drinks, especially soda
- Lack of physical activity (including many schools' decisions to cut P.E.)
- Temptation of indoor sedentary activities including television, video games and computer use
- Genetic factors
The Obesity Society
The Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity. Since 1982, The Obesity Society has been committed to encouraging research on the causes and treatment of obesity, and to keeping the medical community and public informed of new advances.
Website: http://www.obesity.org/
Location: 8757 Georgia Avenue, MD
Phone: (301) 563-6526
Facebook: facebook.com/TheObesitySociety
Twitter: @TheObesitySociety