Weight Management and Adolescents

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 20 percent of children ages 6 to 11 in the United States are considered overweight and 18 percent of teens (ages 12 to 19) are overweight. Many more people are now overweight than 15 years ago. This increase is seen in both sexes and all ages. Overweight or obese adolescents are more likely to be overweight or obese adults.

Obesity is defined as a generalized accumulation of body fat. Obesity is determined by measuring both the height and weight of the adolescent. An adolescent is considered overweight if he or she has a BMI more than the 85th percentile but less than the 95th percentile for his or her weight. A person is considered obese if the BMI is higher than the 95th percentile for age and gender. Research studies suggest that overweight or obese adolescents may become overweight or obese adults.

The following are some of the factors that may contribute to overweight adolescents:

• Easy availability of food, especially high-calorie snack food

• Parents' attitudes towards food

• An increase in the eating of fast-foods

• Using food as a reward or punishment to change behaviors

• Lack of exercise

• Television watching and snacking

• Not knowing how to eat healthy

• Heredity (parents and family members weight)

The basis of treatment for obesity in children and adolescents involves changes in diet and increased exercise. It is important for parents and the adolescent to be ready and willing to make the change. Generally, weight loss is not recommended for babies and young children who are still growing and developing. The goal of treatment for these children is to maintain their weight while they continue to grow taller. Weight reduction may be recommended for obese adolescents who have completed their growth or weigh more than their healthy adult weight. The following are some of the general guidelines that may be followed in treating your adolescent.

For children older than 7 years of age:

• The goal is to maintain baseline weight initially, and then add slow changes in eating and exercise to achieve slow weight loss as recommended by your adolescent's doctor.

• At this age, a child or adolescent should follow adult guidelines, and limit fat intake.

• Eat a variety of foods that are low in calories. Consider the following:

  • Your adolescent needs enough calories to maintain his or her energy level, but no more than he or she can burn off. This is called an energy balance.

    • If he or she takes in more calories than he or she burns, he or she gains weight.

    • If he or she takes in fewer calories than he or she burns, he or she loses weight.

    • If he or she balances the two, he or she maintains his or her weight.

  • Even when dieting, however, calories should not be cut back so much that your adolescent's energy needs are not met. The number of calories your adolescent needs depends primarily on age, gender, and activity level.

• Decrease consumption of high-fat foods.

• Eat more vegetables and fruits.

• Eat fewer sweets, candy, cookies, chips, and sodas.

• Change to skim milk and low-fat dairy products.

• Refer to support groups.

• Do not use food as a reward. Use other activities as a reward for good behavior.

• Have family meal time and snack times.

• Provide only healthy options for your adolescent to choose from. For example, stock the refrigerator with apples or yogurt, rather than cookies and chips.

• Have the entire family become involved in a healthy eating plan, not just the adolescent who is overweight.

• Encourage activities that promote exercise, such as riding a bike, walking, or skating.