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Understanding the equation between teenage obesity and heart problems in the middle age

Obese teenagers are a common sight these days. Erratic eating habits, growing fad of eating junk foods etc are some of the common factors that contribute towards this obesity. Research points out that around 45% of obese teenagers are most likely to have heart problems when they are between 40 and 50 years of age and this is something that needs to be taken seriously.

Reasons for teenage obesity

Mother and daughter

  • Obesity may run in oneโ€™s family that is hereditary and genetic factors can result in the teenager being obese.
  • Bad eating habits are one of the prime reasons for obesity in teenagers; however. frequently eating out, eating fried food, sugar-laden food and junk food can result in obesity.
  • Growing laziness in teenagers can also result in weight gain. Sedentary lifestyle or negligible physical activity can cause obesity in teenagers.
  • If parents are overweight then their children will also normally have a tendency to be overweight.
  • One of the above factors or a combination of two or more factors can eventually lead to obesity in children.

How obesity links to various health issues?

teenage obesity (2)

Parents have to understand that they cannot take obesity in their teenage children lightly. Obese children are at a high risk of getting several diseases. Though teenagers may not suffer from heart diseases one has to understand that their obesity can be one of the main reasons for cardiovascular diseases in the middle age.

Several middle aged people who suffer from heart attacks are known to have been obese in their teens. Not just heart attack obesity in teenagers also makes them susceptible to high cholesterol in the future which can lead to several complications. Parents must note that high cholesterol in childhood can result in a steady increase in plaque levels in the blood vessels which can lead to cardiovascular problems. High blood pressure in adulthood can also be an outcome of obesity in childhood.

Prevention of obesity in teenagers

Hip hop dancer dancing isolated on white background.

  • Good eating habit is a key factor. Teenagers must strictly avoid junk food and eat healthy food which is rich in nutrients. Parents must encourage children to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Physical activity is a must. They must play outdoor games, go for walks and also, get involved in activities like cycling,swimming,dancing etc.
  • Not just parents but also the school has a crucial role to play when it comes to encouraging teenagers to lead a healthy and fat-free lifestyle. They should educate children with regards to the importance of healthy eating and healthy lifestyle.

Tips for parents with obese children

Understand your teenager kids (6)

Parents whose teenage children are obese have to understand that a wide majority of these children become obese adults. They suffer from several complications and diseases and are low in self-esteem. Here are some tips for these parents

  • Parents must educate their children right from their childhood regarding the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
  • Encourage children right from the beginning to indulgeย in physical activities like sports.
  • Parents must understand that certain deficiencies like vitamin deficiency can lead to obesity, therefore, parents must take care that their children get a wholesome diet which is rich in all nutrients and vitamins.
  • Parents must lead by example. If parents have erratic eating habits and do not eat right or lead a healthy lifestyle then obviously their children will also lead a similar life.

Teenage obesity can kill a person in his adulthood. Therefore, by no means can parents take this lightly. They have to take the required measures to ensure that their children are fit and healthy right from the beginning.

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