By Kim Carneal

During teenage years the physical changes and the shaping of self-esteem can add stress to a person’s life. With the addition of obesity it can change the adult life of that person by adding more severe consequences.

Teen obesity has increased more than half from 5% in the 1970s. The 2007-2008 percentage of overweight people from age 2 to 19 is 17%.

A common belief is that teen obesity is only caused by a lack in physical activity and overeating. However, studies have shown that parents who are overweight are more than likely to have overweight children.

The things that provoke teen obesity on a national level are equivalent to those that are in the school.

“First, inactivity causes teen obesity and then it’s the poor food and beverage choices,” Nutrition and Exercise teacher Tommy Harrison said.

Obesity can start a negative change in a person’s physical capability in all aspects of life, especially later on when it may become difficult to walk.

“Many students struggle in physical education from being overweight. They struggle to perform activities,” Harrison said.

Not only does obesity affect physical health but also it can initiate psychological distress, low self-esteem and a negative self-image.

“Unfortunately, some overweight teens are picked at,” Harrison said.

Parents are the ones who control the amount of unhealthy food or drinks teenagers consume. Not only do parents provide the food but they should encourage teenagers to be active in their every day life.

“There needs to be an increase in awareness for adults. They have the biggest impact because they are controlling the eating and drinking choices of teens,” Harrison said.

A popular health risk for overweight teens is Type 2 Diabetes. It can affect an individual for the rest of their life. Those who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, cells either ignore the insulin produces or they do not produce any.

The insulin is responsible for taking sugar from the foods being eaten and putting it into the cells. Without the sugar reaching the cells the body is not able to get enough energy.

“More teens are having problems with the onset of adult diabetes. Those individuals are at a greater risk for a reduced life expectancy,” Health and Physical Education teacher Lisa McDaniels said.

Certain classes are available to inform and assist students dealing with obesity or stopping it from ever starting.

“[Teachers] Consistently cover activity and nutrition in tenth grade Physical Education. Nutrition and Exercise deals with specifically helping students from being overweight,” Harrison said.

Teachers are always available for any questions or concerns students may have with their body image.

“I would encourage them to evaluate their eating habits to see why there is weight gain and encourage exercise,” McDaniels said.

Being obese not only affects a single person’s future but also can result in a change in the entire country.

“Statistics show we are lagging behind in the world. Our country’s children are at more risk [in teen obesity] than any other country,” Harrison said.

There are a number of ways to stop or reverse the increase in teen obesity. It is the person’s responsibility to want and seek change.

“Keeping a log of active time including the hours in front of the computer or television and what foods you are eating/drinking. Putting stuff on paper helps look at the day assessments of where you need to change,” Harrison said.