Saturday, November 29, 2008

Teenage Obesity and Weight Loss, Dangers of Being Overweight

By Ricardo d Argence

In the last twenty years plus, the number of obese teenagers has tripled to almost nine million. The rise in teen-age obesity is staggering. Being overweight is difficult for anyone, but for teenagers the effects can be worse and include health problems and being entirely left out social scene.

Obesity is increasing as is the amount of kids with diabetes. In the past, this more severe form of diabetes was only seen in adults over 40, but current research shows the increasing obesity rate to be the real culprit. Type 2 diabetes can cause renal failure, blindness, and even death.

Sleep apnea causes those who have it to stop breathing for a brief time during sleep. People that are obese can suffer from sleep apnea, because it can cause breathing problems when lying down. The oxygen insufficiency which results may, depending on the circumstances, lead to major problems ranging from heart and brain damage to death.

Reasearch has recetnly shown that asthma could be related to obesity. In people who are severely overweight, the airways become narrowed due to the under-expansion of their lungs. It has been found that the obese have common low-quality general swelling, this irritations can cause restraints of the air passages when soft muscle tissue are affected.

It's difficult, but teens need to worry about their body's health and other things. Overweight teenagers often report that school is a horrifying experience for them. Other kids are cruel and say nasty things to them. Adding to the growing list of problems, overweight teens often become very withdrawn and suffer from depression due to their weight.

Teen eating habits can be attributed to obesity. Teens are known for their preference for junk food. There are alot of schools that no longer allow snack machines that contain unhealthy snacks. They have replaced them with juice, water, and healthy snacks.

In order for the teenager to go one-step further, they must begin to change their diet at home. Healthy home cooked meals need to replace the high caloric fast foods they so love.

The best plan is to slowly introduce healthier choices in your diet. Three regular meals per day and two snacks. Throw away packaged foods in favor of home made. Portion control, start with a small amount on the plate, and eat slowly. Remember they do not have to clean the plate! Balance the diet, have several helpings of fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water, sometimes when we think we are hungry it is actually thirst, plus a well-hydrated body functions better.

Today, teenagers get much less exercise. Most teenagers today lead sedentary lives due to increases in electronic forms of entertainment such as television, internet and video games. Be firm with limits on TV time, and remove it from the bedroom. Instead of goining for a walk is a family, or brought bikes to every one.

You could even do your housework in a way that you could get some exercise while doing them. Providing movement is your aim no matter what is necessary. - 16759

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