Obesity is defined by Body max index BMI – Adolescents in top 5% for their age and gender are considered to have obesity.
Nearly 1 in 5 UK teens are affected by obesity!
Why Do People Get Obese?
It’s not always just about eating too much. Here are some things that can cause it:
- Unhealthy diet: Eating a lot of greasy, sugary snacks with almost no nutrition.
- Lack of exercise: Not being active enough to burn off calories.
- Family Genes: If your family gains weight easily, you might be more likely to as well.
- Environment: Fast food is everywhere, and sometimes it’s hard to find a good and convenient spot to work out.
- Emotional Eating: Stress, boredom, or sadness can sometimes lead to eating unhealthily.
- Medical Stuff: Health conditions or medications can also make you gain weight.
- No Sleep? Big Problem: Not enough sleep messes with the hormones that control hunger and mood.
- Society Pressure: Ads and social media push unhealthy eating habits, making it even harder.
Usually, it’s a mix of these things that leads to obesity, making it a tricky problem to solve, which makes it tough but not impossible to tackle!
Why Should You Care About Obesity?
Obesity isn’t just about looks—it can seriously impact your health! Here’s how:
- Type 2 Diabetes Alert: Extra weight makes it harder for your body to control blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes.
- Heart Problems: Obesity can cause high blood pressure and put you at risk for heart disease early on.
- Ouch! My Joints: Being overweight can stress your knees and hips, leading to pain or even arthritis.
- Sleep Problems: You could get sleep apnea, where you stop breathing while sleeping, leaving you tired all day.
- Mental Health Battles: Obesity is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- Fatty Liver Drama: Extra fat can build up in your liver, which can lead to health issues even if you don’t drink alcohol.
- School & Social Life: Obesity can affect your performance in school and impact friendships or social interactions.
- Adulthood Risk: Teens who are obese are more likely to remain obese as adults, leading to even more health problems later on.
Getting healthier now means feeling better, both mentally and physically, and setting yourself up for a way better future!
Why wait? Get started today for a healthier YOU!
Here are some helpful UK government resources and organizations for teens seeking support with obesity, along with links to their TikTok and Twitter accounts:
NHS Website: Offers information on healthy eating, exercise, and teen weight management programs.
Change4Life: Tips on healthier eating, cutting down on sugar, and fun ways to stay active, with a tracking app.
Better Health: Provides tools and advice for improving health, including weight management programs and an app.
YoungMinds: A charity offering support for mental health issues linked to obesity, such as self-esteem and anxiety.
