Obesity in Adolescence

Obesity in Adolescence
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What is Adolescent Obesity?
 Factors- same as for adults; an accumulation of excessive body fat;
height/weight ratio, BMI/Body Mass Index which is weight divided by
height in inches 2 times x 703
o Mild Obesity- > 27
o Treatment- > 30
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
 Self Image- poor, sedentary, socially isolated
 Lower Body Obesity- women seek treatment 8 times > men
 Usual Regain of Weight- in 3 years called weight cycling
Facts:
 Schools- provide opportunities for education in physical activity and
nutrition classes; rarely do enough to make a difference
 Behavior Modification- eating healthier, reducing calories, exercising,
making permanent life style changes, eat 3 meals and a bedtime snack daily
 Exercising- biking, swimming, dancing, walking, bowling, running
 Counseling- to cope with weight problems, poor self esteem
 Methods for Weight Loss- self-help from books or other sources, nonclinical programs who are not licensed or educated to help with weight
loss, and licensed individuals who are educated to help with weight loss
What can I do?
 See your Health Care Provider- ask about a summer camp, about working
with a RD
 See Registered Dietitian- for help as needed
 See FoodFitnessFirst.com Registered Dietitian - on line for help
 Diet- Increase fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dried peas and
beans, legumes, choose chicken and fish over steak, bacon, and cured ham
 AVOID- fried foods, rich casseroles, whole milk, sauces, gravies, rich
desserts as chocolate delight, banana split cake, ice cream, homemade
cakes with icing, brownie with icing, lemon meringue pie, rich cookies and
puddings