Teen Obesity

Obesity continued to increase dramatically during the late 1990s for Americans of all ages according to the data collected and analyzed by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The percent of children and teens who are overweight also 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 what the proportion was in 1980. In addition, the data shows that another 15 percent of children and teens ages 6 to 19 are considered at risk of becoming overweight.

Obesity can be defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat, which results in individuals being at least 20 percent heavier than their ideal body weight. "Overweight" is defined as any weight in excess of the ideal range. Obesity is a common eating disorder associated with adolescence.

Although children have fewer weight-related health problems than adults, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults. Overweight people of all ages are at risk for a number of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and some forms of cancer.

Obesity can weaken physical health and well-being, and can shorten life expectancy. It can also lead to social disabilities and unhappiness, which may cause stress and even mental illness. A study released in May 2004 suggests that overweight children are more likely to be involved in bullying than normal-weight children are, both as victims and as perpetrators of teasing, name-calling and physical bullying.

The development of a personal identity and body image is an important goal for adolescents. Your parents, physician and teachers can help you. If you think you are overweight, talk to a trusted adult about what you can do to improve your health.
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