Teen Obesity in America is at an All Time High

Knowing These Facts May Help Your Overweight Teen Lose Weight

Experiencing teen obesity in America was one of the most difficult times in my life. Not only did I suffer from low energy and physical illnesses, like many obese teens in America, I also suffered from social and emotional problems as well.

Teen Obesity in America Statistics

In 2007, the teenage obesity statistics showed that boys were heavier than girls with male teenage obesity at 16.3% and female at 9.6%.

Further teen obesity in America statistics show the rate of overweight teens was 15.8%, up from 14.4% in previous years.

It is no surprise that the rate of teen obesity in America is increasing. In the same teenage survey, 35.4% watched television 3 hours or more on average daily, 78.6% did not eat the recommended 5 servings of daily fruits and vegetables, 33.8% drank pop at least one time daily and 65.3% did not meet the recommendations for physical activity.

While teenage obesity in America increases, 45.2% of overweight teens were trying to lose weight in 2007. This statistic is up from 41.8% in previous years.

Teenage Obesity Statistics for Weight Control

40.6% of overweight teens used diet alone to control weight. This statistic is down from previous surveys at 43.8%.

The use of diet aids to lose weight including pills, powders and liquids fell from 9.2% to 5.9% and the percentage of teens that used vomiting or laxative to control their weight stayed the same at 4.3% from previous years of 4.8%.

Tips to Help Your Overweight Teen

Accept your obese teen. While parents may struggle with the weight of their overweight teen, it is important to accept your child at his or her current weight. Parental acceptance leads to self acceptance. Self acceptance is an important step in losing weight.

Make small changes over time. Rather than forcing your teen to stop bad habits all at once, make one change over time to allow for adjustment and long term success.

Replace junk food with healthier choices such as fruit, vegetables and cheese sticks to help develop better habits. Remember, out of sight, out of mind.

Find ways to reduce calories in your child’s favorite dishes. Substituting reduced calorie mozzarella cheese on pizza or in lasagna is one way to reduce calories without sacrificing taste. Another suggestion is to reduce the amount of sugar your overweight teen consumes. Researchers show that children and teenagers take in 10% to 15% of their daily calories from sugar sweetened beverages. Find alternative drinks your teenager enjoys such as sugar free or reduced sugar products.

Respect your teen and ask for his or her input for meal planning. Teenagers want to be involved in decisions that affect them. You will show your teenager respect when you ask for their input when planning meals.

Use exercise time to build your relationship. Ask your teen to go for a walk after dinner or join a gym together. The time you share can be used to build your relationship with your teen. This will strengthen your influence with your teen and make you feel good as well.

Increase activity rather than place your overweight teen on a diet. Remember that children, no matter what age, continue to develop and proper nutrition is important for a healthy body. Calorie restrictive diets may deprive your overweight teenager of important nutrients and vitamins. Consult your child’s doctor for advice on calorie restriction.

Involve your child in healthy education. This brochure from the United States government is a great educational tool to help educate your teen on obesity in America and ways to improve health.

Be a role model for health. Remember, you are your child’s best teacher. By you making better food and activity choices, your child will learn firsthand the importance of good healthy habits.

Return From Teen Obesity in America to Home Page