Most teens are not that concerned when it comes to their eating habits. It’s common for them to forego healthy food and frequently snack on burgers, fries, and other junk foods. If your teen has poor eating habits and is not that physically active, he or she is likely to become obese. If your family has a history of obesity and if your son or daughter is suffering from low self-esteem, that may also make him or her more prone to obesity. As a parent, why should you be concerned if your teenager becomes obese?
The thing is, obesity is a problem that is so much worse than not being able to wear the clothes they like. Obesity puts your teen at risk of various health problems that should not be taken lightly.
Cardiovascular Disease
An obese teen is more likely to suffer from high blood pressure and high cholesterol which we know are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Excessive weight can be a risk factor for stroke as well.
Diabetes
Years ago, it was generally believed that type 2 diabetes was a health problem suffered only by adults – but now we know that is not the case. As the number of obese children and teens rises, so does the number of type 2 diabetes patients in that age bracket. When someone has type 2 diabetes, his or her body does not produce enough insulin or is not able to properly use the insulin it produces. This means his or her blood glucose levels cannot be controlled well. This can result in other complications like kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems as well as cardiovascular problems.
Mental Health Problems
Not many realize but the effects of obesity go beyond one’s physical health. It can also affect your teenager’s self-esteem and in some cases, this can also lead to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.
Osteoarthritis
When a person is obese, extra pressure is placed on weight-bearing joints, including the hips and the knees. The longer your teen keeps that extra weight, the more likely it is for him or her to develop osteoarthritis. The joint pain and stiffness that your teen would experience can get in the way of his or her usual activities. Even the simplest tasks like walking, climbing, and playing their favorite sports can become challenging. And because osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition, it will only get worse as time passes.
If your teen is obese, what can you do? The first step is to discuss it with your teen and make sure that your son or daughter acknowledges the situation and knows the risks. Just as important as dropping the extra weight is losing it in a safe and natural way.
Your teen’s whole life is ahead of him or her, so don’t wait until an obesity-related health problem arises and hinders your child from enjoying life to the fullest. Sloan Natural Health Center has a very effective fat-burning weight loss program that can help your teenager easily lose those extra pounds and achieve an ideal weight. Don’t delay, give us a call today!
