How Can a Sedentary Lifestyle Affect a Teen's Health?

Inactive Lifestyle Contributes to Obesity

• Daily physical activity is a critical part of avoiding obesity, according to the AAP. Obesity is one of the leading health problems affecting teens today, contributing to a broad range of health conditions and chronic diseases. From 1980 through 2010, the number of obese teens more than tripled. More than one-third of youth -- children and teens -- are overweight or obese, as of the 2010 data from the CDC's article, Childhood Obesity Facts. That extra weight stresses bones and joints, and can lead to chronic joint and bone conditions. Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that can lead to heart disease and other issues, is also more common in obese teens. An obese teen is likely to be an obese adult, because ̶0;up to 80 percent of obese youth continue this trend into adulthood,̶1; according to the AAP.

Adult Diseases Seen in Inactive Teens

• During the past decade, the number of teenagers showing risk factors or suffering from these traditionally adult diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, has increased dramatically. While genetics plays a part, all three of these diseases have connections to sedentary lifestyles. Approximately 70 percent of teens who are obese have at least one heart disease risk factor. Diabetes and prediabetes diagnoses have increased from 9 percent to 21 percent in the teen population, according to a CBS News report on a CDC study. The American Diabetes Association reports incidents of nerve damage caused by diabetes are emerging in youth. The National Diabetes Education Program describes the increase of type 2 diabetes in teens as a ̶0;first consequence̶1; of what it referred to as ̶0;the obesity epidemic.̶1;

Mental Health and Well-Being Also Affected

• Sedentary teens have an increased risk of social dysfunction, low self-esteem, and psychological problems. That is related, in part, to being overweight or obese. These teens have fewer friends, experience more depression, and more often report feeling lonely or sad., according to John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, can increase self-esteem, enhance self-concept, and decrease depression and anxiety, whatever weight a person may be, says the APA.

Daily Physical Activity Benefits

• Teens should have at least one hour of moderate to strenuous physical activity each day. Among the many activities suitable for teens are competitive and noncompetitive sports, dance, yoga, running and strength training, according to "Pediatrics," the official journal of the AAP, which stresses that activities that are fun and involve friends are more likely to be continued. Noncompetitive sports include activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing -- outside or indoors -- rafting and other fun pursuits. Other activities that might lure teens off their couches include swimming, mountain biking, skateboarding and hiking.

  Strength training is especially suitable for teens already dealing with weight issues or trying to make the shift from a sedentary lifestyle to one that is more active and healthful. Weight training doesn't require the same degree of coordination or specialized knowledge that many sports do. It is also a good self-confidence builder because teens that are heavier are often stronger and can outperform their peers. Always consult a doctor before making any significant changes in physical activities to make sure that current health status can support such changes.