Weight Management in Teens

According to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, about 9 out of 50 children ages 6 to 11 in the U.S. are considered overweight, and 1 in 5 teens (ages 12 to 19) is overweight. Many more people are now overweight than 15 years ago. This increase is seen in both sexes and all ages. Overweight or obese teens are more likely to be overweight or obese adults.

Obesity is a generalized excessive accumulation of body fat. It's found by measuring both the height and weight of the teen and calculating the BMI (body mass index). Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or more. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9. You can figure out your child's BMI. Research studies suggest that overweight or obese teens may become overweight or obese adults.

These are some of the factors that may contribute to overweight teens:

• Easy availability of food, especially high-calorie snack food

• Parents' attitudes toward food

• Eating more fast foods

• Using food as a reward or punishment to change behaviors

• Lack of exercise

• TV watching and snacking

• Not knowing how to eat healthy

• Heredity (parents' and family members' weight)

• Medical condition such as hormonal problem (rare)

Treatment for obesity in children and teens involves changes in diet and more exercise. It's important for parents and the teens to be ready and willing to make the change. Generally, weight loss is not recommended for babies and young children who are still growing and developing. The goal of treatment for these children is to maintain their weight while they continue to grow taller. Losing weight may be recommended for obese teens who have completed their growth or weigh more than their healthy adult weight. The following are some of the general guidelines that may be followed in treating your teen.

• Don't use food as a reward. Use other activities as a reward for good behavior.

• Have family meal time and snack times.

• Give only healthy choices for your teen to choose from. For example, stock the refrigerator with apples or yogurt, rather than cookies and chips.

• Have the whole family become involved in a healthy eating plan, not just the teen who is overweight.

• Encourage activities that promote exercise, such as riding a bike, walking, or skating.

• Seek help from your healthcare provider or a nutritionist who specializes in children and teens. They can help guide you through the management of obesity in your child in a safe and healthy way.