Overweight Teen Help

While children and teen obesity rates are not rising as rapidly as they once were, they are still considered too high, according to recent obesity statistics. Obesity statistics have been on the rise for the past twenty years among children teens and adults.

Even though the increase in the obesity statistics is slowing, the number of adults that are obese is still around one-third of the nation. Adolescents and children are slightly less than that at about 17 percent, according to recent obesity statistics. In fact, children around preschool age are ranking at one in seven children are considered obese. Unfortunately these numbers are so high and being considered one of the highest behavioral risks from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and severe weight issues can cause many physical as well as psychological issues that can result in serious health consequences like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and hearth disease/failure. According to obesity statistics, those that are severely or morbidly obese are also more likely to suffer from mental illnesses like depression. 

Aside from the physical difficulties and health issues, it is even more of a concern that so many children and teens are dealing with weight issues at such a young age because it is a lifestyle they take with them into adulthood. Often times because there are so many health risks associated with being obese, unless drastic measures are taken to remedy the situation, they are shaving years off their life by being so overweight. 

Obesity Statistics/Trends By State:

None of the states in the U.S. have less than a 20 percent obesity rate. This is almost one-fourth of the entire state diagnosed as obese. Many states have upwards of about one-third of its residents classified as obese. In 2010 obesity statistics, the states with the highest obesity rates are most southern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi. 

There are also some causes of obesity that might attribute to the high obesity statistics in certain areas of the country. Those families that are low-income tend to be more obese with children that are also more obese than children from high income families. This is usually a factor because parents aren't able to spend more money on the more nutritious foods like fruits, veggies and fresh lean meats. Unfortunately processed food tends to be cheaper and become the staple diet for many families. In addition to location as well as income level of the families, there are other factors that can attribute to high numbers of obesity statistics. Age is a huge factor, and as people get older they are also more likely to gain weight easier and become obese. That is why it is so important for children and teens to be taught proper nutrition and exercise information at a younger age, so they can take those healthier habits in with them as they reach adulthood. 

Obesity Prevention:

There are a few ways parents can prevent their children and teens from continuing to contribute to the growing numbers in the obesity statistics. First, parents themselves need to begin making healthier lifestyle choices like eating healthier and making an effort to purchase healthier foods for their kids. It also helps if parents engage in regular healthy activities with their kids like family hiking and bike riding. Parents can play sports with their children or take them swimming. For those teens facing weight struggles, there are many ways to get healthier including playing school sports or joining an after-school sports/dance club. These are all ways to keep active on a regular basis. 

Many schools throughout the nation are also recognizing this problem with teen and childhood obesity. These schools are now instituting healthier eating programs to help provide healthy school lunches as well as teach students how to eat healthier on a regular basis to help stop these obesity statistics from continuing to rise. Parents also need to remember that healthy eating and exercise are not just a fad situation, it is a lifestyle management choice. By starting early with this kind of health initiative, it is more likely that kids will be able to stay healthy instead of becoming obese. 

Sources: webmd.com, cdc.gov