What Can Fix Teenage Obesity, but Young People Don’t Get Them

Obesity is a serious health problem that affects millions of people around the world, especially teenagers. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 10-19 years has increased from 4% in 1975 to 18% in 2016. Obesity can lead to various chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. It can also affect the mental and emotional well-being of young people, causing low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

There are many factors that can contribute to teenage obesity, such as genes, metabolism, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic issues . Some possible solutions that can help prevent or treat obesity in teens are:

• Eating a healthy diet that follows the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans .
• Getting enough physical activity as recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition .
• Ensuring adequate sleep and reducing screen time .
• Getting involved in community efforts to improve options for healthier foods and physical activity.
• Seeking professional help from a healthcare provider, a nutritionist, or a counselor if needed .

However, many young people may not have access to these solutions, or may face barriers such as lack of time, money, motivation, or support. Therefore, it is important to address the root causes of obesity and create a supportive environment that encourages healthy behaviors and reduces stigma.

Some of the challenges that young people face in adopting healthier lifestyles are:

• Lack of knowledge and skills: Many teens may not know how to plan, prepare, or choose healthy meals and snacks, or how to read nutrition labels and portion sizes. They may also lack the skills to cope with stress, emotions, and peer pressure that can influence their eating habits.

• Lack of availability and affordability: Many teens may live in areas where healthy foods are scarce, expensive, or inaccessible, such as food deserts or rural communities. They may also have limited options for physical activity, such as safe parks, playgrounds, or sports facilities. They may depend on school meals, fast food, or convenience stores for their nutrition, which may not meet their dietary needs or preferences .

• Lack of motivation and support: Many teens may not feel motivated to change their behaviors, or may face resistance from their family, friends, or society. They may encounter negative messages, stereotypes, or discrimination based on their weight, appearance, or culture. They may also lack the confidence, self-efficacy, or social support to overcome the challenges and sustain the changes .

These challenges can make it difficult for young people to adopt and maintain healthier lifestyles, and may require more than individual efforts to overcome. Some of the strategies that can help young people overcome these barriers are:

• Increasing education and awareness: Providing teens with accurate and relevant information and skills on nutrition, physical activity, and health can help them make informed and responsible decisions. Educating parents, teachers, and other adults on how to support and guide teens can also help them create a positive and nurturing environment. Raising awareness and advocacy on the causes and consequences of obesity, and the benefits and opportunities of healthy living can also help change the social norms and attitudes 

• Improving access and affordability: Creating and expanding the availability and affordability of healthy foods and physical activity options can help teens have more choices and opportunities. This can include improving the quality and variety of school meals, increasing the supply and distribution of fresh and local produce, providing subsidies and incentives for healthy foods, and building and maintaining safe and accessible recreational facilities and transportation .

• Enhancing motivation and support: Encouraging and empowering teens to set realistic and achievable goals, monitor their progress, and reward their efforts can help them stay motivated and committed. Providing them with positive feedback, recognition, and encouragement can also help them boost their self-esteem and confidence. Creating and strengthening the social support networks, such as family, friends, peers, mentors, and role models, can also help them cope with the challenges and celebrate the successes .

These strategies can help young people overcome the barriers and embrace the solutions that can fix teenage obesity. However, they require the collaboration and coordination of multiple stakeholders, such as governments, schools, health care providers, businesses, media, and civil society. Together, they can create a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the complex and multifaceted problem of teenage obesity, and promotes the health and well-being of young people.

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