A startling revelation today is the fact that not only are more adults obese these days, but obesity in children and teenagers is growing as well.This is a major concern for medical professionals and many parents who are concerned with obesity and children or teenagers because of the profound health implications for their future.
The Dangers of Obesity
Adolescent obesity has some of s a complicated condition. It is more tha just being overwight. The definition of obesity is being over 100 pounds above your ideal body weight or having a body mass index(BMI) of 40 or more.When a child is developing as they are when quite young and during adolescents, many medical conditions can arise. One very serious condition is diabetes.Diabetes can have a profound effect on the cardiovascular system, vision and circulation to name but a few. The earlier a child/adolescent becomes obese, the greater the possibility of this disease.
The Causes of Obesity and Children or Teenagers
Although there are medical conditions that cause obesity like endocrine or thyroid problems. This is most often not the case. However, it is always good to have a medical examination comlete with blood tests to determine if there is a medical condition contributing to the problem. As much as it would be nice to point a finger and blame a certain condtition for the obesity, it most often the resut of poor diet practices and lifestyle issues.Have a blood test can determine the involvment of medical problems for obesity and children or teenagers.
The bottom line is that obesity is caused by consuming more calories than they burn off in a day.When this happens, the body stores the excess as fat. Often the root cause of obesity and children or teenagers is a sedentary lifestyle.Technology is fantastic and has added richly to our lives, however, this same blessing can be a curse becasue it promotes a sedentary lifestyle rather than outdoor sports and physical activities. They can also miss out on important face to face social activities too.
Teaching youngsters the importance of good nutrition and a helathy lifsetyle is paramount. Pointing a finger, using negative reinforcement will only make things worse for the child. Positive reinforcement and support is needed as they develop good healthy lifestyle practices.No matter what their size or body type they have, or whether or not they are successful with their changes, they all deserve love, compassion and support from all the family and friends.
When dealing with obesity and children or teenagers, it needs to be kept in mind that the idea is to create a healthier lifestyle that can be obtained throughout their lives. Giving them the skills needed to make decisions about food choices is a good basis that they will always have.Begin early, teaching proper nutrition and even enrolling them in a healthy cooking class can be of enormous value to them and their future.
About the Author:
Deborah Marsden is an information specialist
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