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By B.Zniber The Family
Often children and teens are more at risk of becoming overweight if they have two overweight parents. This may be a genetic factor, or they may be modeling themselves after what they see their parents eating. Also, if they take part in any physical activities, this can indirectly affect the teen.
Inactivity
On average, an American child will spend several hours each day watching television or on a computer. Compare this to years ago, when this time would have been spent doing some form of physical activity. There are a large amount of teens and children who are now overweight, as they are expending very little energy, and often eat high calorie snacks while watching TV or playing on the computer. Today in the US, about 1/3 of elementary school children carry out some form of physical education, and less than 1/5 take part in physical activity programs after school.
Heredity
Recently, information has shown that heredity can influence fatness in a child and teen. It was found that children with overweight mothers have been found to be less active, and often gain more weight than those children born to mothers who are a normal weight.
In this serial, we will look at various ways to help overweight teens lose weight successfully, without resorting to fad diets etc.
Psychological Issues
For many overweight teens, their physical health and well being are the least of their problems. The main issue is the teasing and abuse they receive from their peers at school.
For many, it is not only what others think of them that is upsetting, but it's what they think of themselves.
A good percentage of teenagers (especially girls) are clinically depressed, because they are so preoccupied with their weight.
A recent survey reveals that overweight teens rate their quality of life as low as that of young cancer patients who are having chemotherapy. Other studies report increased rates of depression, low self esteem and isolation from other members of their age group, which can result in behavioral problems. These teenagers are less likely to be accepted into higher education (college) or to get married, and are more likely to be part of lower socioeconomic groups.
Many overweight teens will be hard on themselves, and will often be mistreated by others. A study carried out in 2001 by Latner and Stunkard found that this situation, has steadily gotten worse.
Often, teens who are overweight can suffer from other problems such as cardiovascular, orthopedic,
gastrointestinal, respiratory, hormonal, neurological and metabolic diseases (diabetes). These can often manifest themselves through psychological problems.
Today in the US, there are some weight loss programs for kids that combine psychological therapy with behavior modification therapy to improve the teens self esteem as well as their physical health.
To be continued...
