What causes Obesity in teens?
There are many different causes of Obesity, but when you thoroughly examine it, you seem to find two main causes. Firstly, having a bad diet. This can be too much sugar, or too many foods of high fat. The second cause, and the main cause, is inadequate Physical Activity. Nowadays, with a TV and smartphone right next to you, most teens have just given up on committing to stay active. There are many bad health effects of not getting enough physical activity, with some of them being potentially life-threatening. The number of obese teens and preteens is increasing every year, and preteens as well as teens need to be aware of this so that they can prevent it.
How do you prevent of Obesity in Teens?
The first thing that you have to do to prevent obesity is that you have to burn more calories than you consume. This is by having an overall healthy diet. Limit the intake of high-fat foods, and decrease sugar amounts. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits, and have a fiber-filled diet. Next, you have to be active. Playing sports or running will increase calorie burn efficiently. Put down the phone, turn the TV off, and just run a bit. If you do these things, then you will have a low risk of getting obese, especially as a teen. If you develop healthy eating and active lifestyles at a young age, it will help you maintain that lifestyle as you get older, and you will have no risk of obesity at those ages too.
What are the Risks of being Obese as a Teen?
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol. These are risk factors for heart disease.
- Diabetes. Obesity is the major cause of type 2 diabetes.
- Joint problems, such as osteoarthritis.
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
How much Physical Activity do teens require?
Children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily to maintain a healthy diet and to overall be active. This is to prevent being obese,and this has to coexist with having a healthy diet as well.
What are some beneficial effects of Physical Activity?
Other than preventing obesity, regular physical activity can help children and adolescents improve cardiorespiratory fitness, and build strong bones and muscles. This is helpful as it lessens the chance of heart disease. Also, it reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is the best side effect of physical activity, as it (in some cases) can get rid of depression and overall improve someone’s self esteem. Anxiety levels can decrease from Physical Activity as well.
Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34311854/