Overweight children and teens are increasing much faster than in adults. In the 1970's only 6 % of children were overweight, while in 2008 more than 30% were found to be overweight. The first step in helping overweight children is to learn how to recognize the problem. Most parents think their overweight children are "just about normal."

Today people are less able to identify that they are overweight.It appears they do not realise that they are overweight due to an underestimation in their perception of overweight. Therefore many overweight people will continue to be so and not seek further health interventions.

What determines overweight. Today we accept the BMI (Body Mass Index) as a rough guidance. However, to measure a risk fact to ones health, medical experts now depend on waist measurement as a stronger predictor of risk to health.

Being overweight is a health risk because it promotes diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart and blood vessel disease, It is associated with lower mobility and social contact. As expected,those who sit at desks and computers for many hours, and do not exercise regularly, are more likely to become overweight. Add a fast food diet and high saturated fat diet,and much excess fat accumulates in the body.

Being overweight might not be from overeating, however it can be caused from some diseases and health conditions. Someone that does not follow the guidelines or treatments for diabetics can become overweight. People with an inactive thyroid can be come overweight, as the thyroid is not working properly. Medications and anti-depressants can cause a person to gain weight. Some of the medications will cause a person to feel hungry or have the urge to eat.

Reasons for overweight

1. Diet

High calorie content diet is without doubt the main reason for overweight or obesity. Your family's indulgence in energy dense, low nutrient, high sugar and saturated fat content diet results in overweight teenagers at your home. Some of the big culprits are processed foods like canned meat or fish, ready to eat lunch and dinners, flavored chips and snacks, dairy products like butter and cheese. These all usually contain large amounts of saturated fats and other undesirables.

2. Lack of physical activity

Our sedentary life styles contribute considerably to our girth. The internet, though an amazing development and information aid, has become a bane to parents. Most of our overweight teenagers spend a good part of their time surfing the net or playing interactive games. They hardly have any physical activity other than a stroll in the mall or running in school corridors. Their bodies do net get any chance to burn the high calorie intake during their day.

3. Emotional discontent and peer pressure

Puberty is a well-known emotional roller coaster. Overweight teenagers tend to be emotionally more brittle than healthy youngsters. Continuously being butt of jokes among friends due to their bulk causes overweight teenagers to shun the company of peers and they tend to stay at home as much as possible. While at home, they watch television or surf the net. Easy access to the refrigerator tempts them with snacks and knickknacks, the worst kind of food. It is a vicious circle and defeats all well meant diet for overweight teens.

Proper and effective diet for overweight

4. Regulate your family meals and have food at proper intervals to the extent possible. Timely meals reduces craving for snacks and knickknacks. Ensure your teenager eats breakfast every day. If you are able to cut down on the craving, it is a big step towards an effective diet for overweight teens

5. Fruits and vegetables are good ingredients in diet for overweight teens. Serve more fruits and vegetables at the table during meals. Let your teenager choose his or her preferences while preparing the shopping list.

6. High calorie drinks are taboo in diet for overweight teens. Avoid storing carbonated sugary drinks at home. Encourage your teenager to drink more water to quench thirst or after meals. While eating out, refrain from ordering cokes or colas along with your meals. Order a bottle of mineral water instead.

7. Avoid eating out often especially fast foods. When eating out, order healthy dishes with plenty of vegetables and fruits. Resist temptations to gorge on processed meat and fish. Saturated fats in these foods are detrimental to a healthy diet for overweight teens.

The list of complications not only include physical ailments but psychological conditions also accompany being overweight.

Read about natural remedies Also read about health benefits of coconut and lemon benefit .

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