Obesity Epidemic Among Teenagers Is Skyrocketing

Obesity Among Teenagers Is Becoming An Increasing Problem

Obesity rates are rising worldwide, especially among children. In many countries, childhood obesity rates have increased dramatically over the past few decades. This is largely due to changes in our socioeconomic environment, including increases in income inequality, decreases in educational attainment, and declines in parental involvement. These trends have led to increased sedentary lifestyles, decreased physical activity, and greater access to high-calorie foods.

ToC

(getButton) #color=(#0a2819) #text=(Socio-Cultural Factors) (getButton) #color=(#0a2819) #text=(Socioeconomic Status)

Obesity Causes and Risk Factors

Socio-Cultural Factors

The World Health Organization estimates that there are now 400 million obese adults around the world and that one-third of all adults are overweight. Over half of American adults are either overweight or obese. Obesity levels tend to be highest in wealthier nations, such as those in North America and Western Europe. However, even low-income countries are seeing rapid increases in obesity rates. For example, in China, the number of people considered obese rose from 3% in 1991 to 14.5% in 2006.

Environmental factors and prevalence of obesity

A study published in 2007 found that the average American spends 7 hours per day watching TV, 3 hours playing video games, 2 hours surfing the web, and less than 30 minutes exercising. This leaves little room for activities such as playing outside, riding bikes, hiking, and taking walks. In addition, the lack of sidewalks, street lights, and crosswalks makes it difficult for people to safely walk around neighborhoods and parks. As a result, many Americans are spending more time sitting down than standing up.

Family factors and family history

A study published in the journal Obesity found that family factors play a role in the development of childhood obesity. The researchers found that children whose mothers had a normal weight were less likely to become obese than those whose mothers were overweight or obese. Children whose parents both had normal weights were less likely to develop obesity than those whose parents had one obese parent.

Socioeconomic Status

Obesity prevalence was 18.9% among children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in the lowest-income group, 19.9% among those in the middle-income group, and 10.9% among those in the highest-income group.

Obesity prevalence was lower in the highest-income group among non-Hispanic Asian boys and Hispanic boys.

Obesity prevalence was lower in the highest income group among non-Hispanic White girls, non-Hispanic Asian girls, and (getButton) #color=(#de1738) #text=(Hispanic girls). Obesity prevalence did not differ by income among non-Hispanic Black girls.

Obesity is a serious public health problem affecting both adults and children. In fact, it is one of the most common chronic diseases among children today. While overweight and obese kids are likely to become overweight and obese adults, there are many ways you can help prevent weight gain during childhood.

The good news is that childhood obesity prevention is possible. By making small changes in your daily routine, you can make sure your kids eat healthy foods and get enough physical activity. This may mean encouraging your kids to enjoy fruits and vegetables, limiting screen time, and spending less time watching TV and playing video games. (getButton) #color=(#de1738) #text=(You can also encourage your kids) to participate in sports or play outside.

Childhood Obesity Facts - Obesity Rate in the US

Adolescents who were overweight at age 13 had an 8 percent increased chance of becoming obese adults, and they were twice as likely to develop diabetes by age 38. They also had a 1 percent increase in the odds of dying from any cause during middle age (ages 35 to 54) and were almost three times as likely to die from cardiovascular disease than normal-weight peers. These findings held true even after controlling for other variables, including smoking, drinking, and physical activity.

Making lifestyle changes to prevent obesity from turning into type 2 diabetes

Making healthy lifestyle changes may help stop some of these risks in their tracks. "Eat a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet, as every study is ever done shows that this way of eating reduces disease and helps people maintain or lose weight," Freeman ( Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of (getButton) #color=(#de1738) #text=(cardiovascular prevention) and wellness at National Jewish Health, in Denver) said.

 

Daily exercise is  an important part of a healthy life

Source & Credits: 

https://consumer.healthday.com/6-21-obesity-in-teens-raises-adult-diabetes-risk-even-after-weight-loss-2653402308.html

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18390579/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20354827

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