The Patio Expert Pages

Child obesity is considered by medical professionals as a serious medical issue affecting both young children and teens around the world. In fact, in America alone, obesity has raised concerns among medical experts and parents as it has grown significantly in the past years, with 1 out of 5 children between the ages of 6 and 17 affected with the said disease. Even though obesity in children can be readily diagnosed, it is in fact, one of the most difficult to treat. The annual cost that obesity incurs to society is estimated at nearly $100 billion, and is pointed as the cause of 300,000 premature deaths.

A child or teen gaining a few extra pounds does not exactly mean that he or she is already obese. Child obesity is developed when the child or teen has significantly exceeded the weight appropriate for his or her age and height. This is often computed using the Body Mass Index (BMI). Obesity typically occurs in childhood between the ages of 5 and 6, and could also develop during teenage years. Studies have shown that if obesity is not given immediate medical attention, it is likely that the child or teen would become obese until his or her adulthood.

The cause of child obesity is a combination of genetic, behavioral and cultural factors, making it far more complex. The onset of obesity in children and teens may be rooted from poor eating habits, binging or overeating, lack of exercise, low self esteem, stressful life events, family and peer issues, depression, and family history of obesity, medical illnesses and medications. Unfortunately, the failure of parents to seek medical attention for their obese children can have serious complications for the physical, social and emotional well-being of these youngsters. Physical consequences include the onset of type two diabetes, metabolic syndrome, sleep disorders, high cholesterol and blood pressure, asthma and other respiratory problems as well as early puberty and menstruation. On the other hand, social and emotional complications range from low self esteem, bullying and behavioral and learning issues as well as depression.

With the health and emotional hazards that obesity could induce, it is necessary for parents to become proactive in instigating their children to practice a healthy lifestyle. Although child and teenage weight loss is a task that is easier said than done, the key to achieve a healthy weight for children is take the issue as a familial challenge. As they say, "practice what you preach" and you will pass this mentality to your children. Therefore, as a parent, you have to make healthy eating and exercise a regular affair for the whole family.

There is no universal fast teen diet plan because this greatly depends on the physical condition of your child. However, most medical experts would agree that it is essential that you and your family should invest on a low-carb diet plan so as to limit your kids from consuming too much carbohydrate, which often causes body fat build up. As much as possible let your kids help you in planning and preparing meals for the family, and take them with you when you hit the grocery as these activities would help them in understanding the importance of healthy food selections. Additionally, encourage your kids to participate in various physical activities. However, prior to sending your kid to the gym or in a youth center, do not forget to seek the medical advice of your doctor about his or her recommended physical activities for you child. This way, you can be assured that the exercise that your child will be undertaking is appropriate for his or her age, health, and body condition.

Always bear in mind that obesity can become a lifelong issue, especially if left unaided. With that said, as a parent, be sure that your child follows a natural and medically supervised teenage weight loss program that is suitable for his or her needs. Likewise, try to reinforce your child's self esteem by focusing on his or her strengths and positive qualities instead of his or her weight problem. Doing this could greatly encourage him or her to manage the weight challenge without going to the extreme. By living a healthy lifestyle, you are setting a good example to your family and a healthy environment with which they will be encouraged to follow.