Tween Obesity - Negative Effects

Teen obesity rate has reached epidemic proportion. Obesity impacts a child's physical, social, and psychological wellbeing at a time when they are already experiencing all the issues associated with puberty.

Often some of the most negative effects associated with obesity are manifested in the school setting. Teens are particulary vulnerable to weight related issues in this setting. Peers are usually unmerciful in their comments, jokes and pranks at the expense of obsese individuals. Low self-esteem and fear of bullying can result in higher rates of absenteeism and poor grades for obese teens. Overweight and obesity disparities are noted among minorities and children in lower socioeconomic classes.

Contributing Factors

Factors affecting obesity may be traced back as early as birth. Formula fed infants are often over fed. At birth an infant's stomach is the size of a marble and requires about 7 mls for the infant to be satisfied, but because of their innate need to suckle, this response is often mistaken by parents/caregivers as signs that the child is hungry so more formula is given. A breastfed infant not only satisfies their hunger but also their need to suckle through non-nutrive sucking. This does not lead to over feeding. Having set the stage for over feeding in the formula fed infant it is easy to continue to over feed the child through all stages of development.

Environmental factors also contribute significantly to the teen obesity dilema that we are now facing. Poorer neighborhoods are inundated with all types of fastfood outlets, convenience stores and a sad lack of grocery store chains. When facaed with shopping at a convenience store where choice is few for quality fruits, vegetables and other essentials, and prices are high; it is no wonder that families are wooed by the 99 cents special meals that frequently beckon from the fastfood outlets. Children at an early age quickly recognize the symbols representing these outlets and due to the frequency at which they visit these resturants will often clamor to go there for special occasions. A recent report covered by several journal and news stations found that most Value Menu items were high in calories, cholesterol,fat and saturated fat. In addition these foods contained processed and grilled meats which not only contribute to obesity but are also linked to risk of cancer.

Cultural factors may also impact a child's likelihood of being obese and acceptance of the same. If family members and individuals in the community that one associates with are obese, then this may appear to be the norm, thereby reducing the recognizition of the threat that this condition may pose to ones health.Obese children and adolescents are also more likely to become obese as adults. About 80% of children who were overweight at aged 10–15 years were obese adults at age 25 years; 25% of obese adults were overweight as children. If a child was overweight before 8 years of age, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.

More and more children are leading a sedentary lifestyle as they participate in more online activities, video games, and watching television for hours on end which is often accompanied by snacking encouraged by the frequent food and drink advertisments.School meals and available snacks must also be factured into the equation.

It's Your Choice

While these factors play a huge Contributing role in you child's/children current obesity status you can make a change. The present and future health of your child/children is up to you. Help yourself and your child/children to better health. It's your choice! To find out the more about childhood obesity and long term effects follow this link.

Choose Health.