What health problems are associated with overweight or obese teens?
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Dr. David W. Brinton of Intermountain Healthcare answered:The health risks for overweight teens are:
- greater risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension,
stroke, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and cancer - social and psychological problems
- memory and learning problems due to sleep apnea
The health risks for overweight teens are: greater risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and cancer social and psychological problems memory and learning... More - greater risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension,
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Dr. Joy Dubost of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:Let's first ensure you are determining overweight or obesity properly for teens. The Centers for Disease Control provides a useful, quick tool to determine body mass index (BMI) for teens up to age 19. Visit http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/dnpabmi/Calculator.aspx and you can input the requested information to determine BMI. Keep in mind the criteria used to interpret the meaning of the BMI number for teens are different from those used for adults. Also remember BMI is not a diagnostic tool. In other words, other assessments need to be performed by a healthcare provider for further determination, including skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings.
Unfortunately overweight and obese teens are becoming more prevalent. Approximately 17% of children and adolescents (ages 2-19) are obese. Being overweight and obese can cause life-long problems. We are now seeing type II diabetes occur earlier and earlier in life due to the increase weight. In addition, the risk of heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure and stroke increase.
There are other health problems associated with being overweight or obese as a teen that can manifest itself fairly quickly. Social stigmatism can lead to bullying by others, low self-esteem and ultimately depression. In addition, trouble with sleeping and poor concentration can lead to a decrease in school performance.
It's important to address being overweight or obese as a teenager. With the proper diet and exercise the weight can be reduced and the quality of life can improve immediately. This will provide for a more healthy future.
For further information about losing weight, consult a registered dietitian or visit www.eatright.org for more information.
Let's first ensure you are determining overweight or obesity properly for teens. The Centers for Disease Control provides a useful, quick tool to determine body mass index (BMI) for teens up to age 19. Visit... More -
Nadine Pazder answered:Overweight and obese teens are at risk for developing the same chronic diseases as that of obese adults: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint pain, depression, and the entire social stigma that goes with it.
Concerned parents of overweight teens can ask the pediatrician for a referral to a Registered Dietitian to develop a plan for healthy eating that the whole family can enjoy.
Overweight and obese teens are at risk for developing the same chronic diseases as that of obese adults: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea, joint pain, depression, and the entire social stigma that goes with it.... More -
Cindy Guirino answered:Excessive weight takes a heavy toll on the body. Health problems are numerous and include flat feet, more accident-prone, sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, osteoarthritis, and greater risk fo rcertain types of cancer.
Excessive weight takes a heavy toll on the body. Health problems are numerous and include flat feet, more accident-prone, sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, osteoarthritis, and greater risk fo rcertain types of cancer. More -
Teresa Beach of Sanford Health answered:Overweight and obese teens face the same health problems as adults, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and joint problems. Developing these conditions earlier in life can set up more complication and potentially a shorter life span. One thing to keep in mind when addressing weight issues and teens is whether or not they are still growing. If they are the focus is on stopping weight gain and small loses to ensure they are getting enough calories and nutrients to support continued growth. Fad diets are not a good idea for anyone, but especially teens who may still be growing as they too calorie and nutrient restrictive. Fad Diets also don’t help them learn to have a healthy relationship with food and deal with any emotional reasons they may be overeating.
Overweight and obese teens face the same health problems as adults, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and joint problems. Developing these conditions earlier in life can set up more complication and potentially a shorter life... More
