Weight Management Advice for Overweight
Teenage Children
Weight Loss for Teenagers and Children
Overweight in Teenagers and Adolescents
- According to the 1999-2000 National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the percentage of teenagers
and children who are overweight (defined as BMI-for-age at or above
the 95th percentile of the CDC Growth Charts) continues to increase.
- Among children and teens ages 6-19,
15 percent (almost 9 million) are overweight according to the 1999-2000
data, or triple the percentage in 1980.
- In addition, over 10 percent of younger
pre-school children between ages 2 and 5 are overweight, up from 7 percent
in 1994.
Obesity and Diabetes in Teenagers &
Children
- Type 2 diabetes, associated with obesity
and previously considered an adult disease, has increased dramatically
in children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are closely linked
to type 2 diabetes.
- Of children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes,
85 percent are obese.
- A recent study suggests one in four
overweight children is already showing early signs of Type 2 diabetes.
- Overweight teenagers have a 70% chance
of becoming overweight or obese adults. This increases to 80% if one
or more parent is overweight or obese. Overweight or obese adults are
at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, type
2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and some forms of cancer.
- The most immediate consequence of overweight
as perceived by the children themselves is social discrimination. This
is associated with poor self-esteem and depression
Teenagers & Children - Weight Management
Goals
The first goal of weight management in
kids and young teenagers should be to stop weight gain and maintain normal
growth in height. This way they can ‘grow into' their weight. To
start, have your child eat healthier (about 500 fewer calories each day)
and begin a program of regular exercise and physical activity.
Once your child has stopped gaining weight
and is on a regular program of dieting and exercising, you can set further
goals of slow weight loss, if necessary.
Weight Loss For Teenagers - More Help
If you need help to manage the weight of
your kids/teenagers, talk to your doctor, who can refer you to a source
of specialist advice. Alternatively, consider seeing a nutritionist for
help with dieting, weight loss and in planning your family's diet.
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