Obesity in teenagers is becoming more of a problem across the nation, according to a study presented by the National Center for Children in Poverty.
The study notes that one out of six adolescents is overweight in America, and one out of three is at risk. The alarming numbers are igniting conversations that researchers hope will result in strategies to combat the social and nutritional problem, according to the NCCP.
The negative impact the issue has health-wise is obvious, but if the trend continues, the nation’s monetary consequences will also suffer, says the NCCP. Author Susan Schwarz said in an interview to the Contra Costa Times, “This is going to have a huge impact on society and going to cost the entire society a lot,” she commented. “The good news is that people are starting to see that.”
The NCCP recommends programs and initiatives be created to make it easier for parents to make nutritious food choices and to increase the access of healthy foods to their children.
Battling obesity at any age is a challenge, but increasing physical activity and following a diet may help those effected both physically and financially, as healthier people generally end up with lower health insurance and life insurance premiums.
To learn about a healthy BMI for teens and children, use the BMI Calculator from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
