Teen Fitness & Obesity

Eighteen percent of adolescents ages 12 to 19 are obese, putting them at risk of various health conditions, including sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and several forms of cancer. Obesity can also affect emotional health, leading to low self-esteem and depression. Battling obesity can be challenging for both teens and their parents, but it's worth the effort considering the consequences.

  1. Risk Factors

    • Obesity is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as "having excess body fat." The high rate of teen obesity isn't surprising, considering that America is considered an "obesogenic" society. This means that the country promotes a sedentary lifestyle, fattening foods and overeating. Eating a nutritious diet and getting regular physical activity are good ways for teens to lower their risk of obesity, but that's not always easy when they're surrounded by obesity-friendly influences.

    Obese Teens and Aerobic Exercise

    • Teens who are obese have a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure -- hypertension -- and high cholesterol. These are strong risk factors for heart attack and stroke. Aerobic exercise not only helps teens to lose weight, it gives the heart the workout it needs. Walking for 30 minutes daily is a good aerobic workout for an obese teen to try. As teens lose weight, they may want to try stairclimbing, skating, jogging, or playing tennis or Frisbee. The key is to let teens choose their activity.

    Participation in Team Sports

    • A study in the August 2012 issue of "Pediatrics" involving 1,718 high school students shows a link between team sports and a lower risk of obesity in teens. Students completed a survey to determine how much they participated in sports. Those who played on three or more sports teams were 39 percent less likely to be obese than students who did not. Teens who are already obese might be reluctant to try a team sport, fearing they'll be teased, but parents and teachers should gently encourage them to try.

    What Parents Can Do

    • Preventing and beating teen obesity should begin at home. You are your child's most powerful role model and advocate. Model a healthy lifestyle at home, including preparing and eating healthy meals, and being active every day. Keep nutritious snacks such as fruits, veggie sticks, vegetable chips and milk on hand instead of sugary treats like cookies and soda. As much as possible, involve teens in preparing their own meal; they'll be more likely to buy into eating healthfully. Obesity is notoriously difficult to overcome, even for adults. If necessary, seek help from a professional such as a nutritionist, life or fitness coach, or counsellor.

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