Teen Obesity
By: Takara Orlino
Introduction
One of todays concerns is the growing rate of teen obesity. According to the American Obesity Association, about 30.4 percent of teenagers are overweight, and 15.5 percent of teens are obese. Teen obesity is obviosly a growing epidemic across America but it doesn't have to be that way. Mabey it's not the fast food resteraunts, commercials and bill boards that persuade you to eat more unhealthy meals, you might be the reason for what you look like. The decisions you make in your life is your choice, if you keep eating the unhealthy stuff you eat today, you're going to lead yourself to teen obesity and face consequences in the future. The right decision?- Make yourself the better role model you want to be for others and get yourself back on track.
Causes & effects
Causes
- 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
Effects
- Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma
- Sleep problems, including sleep apnea
- Orthopedic (bone) problems due to an inability of the developing bones to support the excess weight
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart disease
Preventions
When it comes to dieting and exercising, it doesn't need to be a hassle to do so. Exercising can be fun when you're doing stuff you enjoy doing like sports and activities. Also, at the same time you're doing yourself and your body a favor. Here are some helpful ideas to getting your body right on track:
- Walking a dog (if you have one)
- Walking up an extra flight of stairs
- Jumping jacks
- Joing a sport