The obesity epidemic is starting to become more serious than people realize. It’s started to affect younger and younger people, all the way to children. But people mistake obesity as being nothing more than children eating too much unhealthy food.
This misconception needs to be put to rest by discussing what are the real contributing factors as to why teenagers are becoming obese in higher numbers every year.
Metabolism
Not everyone is made to be exactly the same; we’re not cookie-cutter versions of each other where we all have the same basic dietary needs. Each person is made differently, with different levels of metabolism that make it easier or more difficult to digest food and burn calories.
And teenagers are no different. Their bodies use energy differently from each other, so some teenagers will naturally be more prone to gaining weight than others. The only thing that can be done in this regard is to pay more attention to the kind of food that makes up their diet and encouraging exercise. You can’t change someone’s metabolism but help can be sought at braceyourhealth.
Socioeconomic Factors
It can be confusing for some people that poor people tend to be more overweight than those above the poverty line, but if you look at the kind of food being offered, the picture is a lot more clear.
Fast food is a lot cheaper to get than buying healthy foods at the grocery store. Those living below the poverty line also have less time to spend preparing food at home because they’re more likely working multiple jobs. Socioeconomic factors also determine location, and there is less access to healthy grocery stores than there are to take-out restaurants.
Genetics
Just as certain people are predisposed for certain diseases, the same can be said for obesity. The condition can be passed down through families and having at least one obese parent can increase a teenager’s risk for the condition as well.
Of course, going up the genetic line can only do so much, since genetics cannot be changed. What can be done is to make better choices in terms of food and exercise, as well as staying active so that complications don’t arise.
Lifestyle Choices
At the end of the day, the food that a teenager puts into their body also determines their risk for obesity. If they’re reach for the high-fat and sugary snacks every single day, it’s easy to conclude that the pounds are going to start piling on.
Teaching them to make healthier choices can prove to be difficult, given how stubborn teenagers can be, but by showing them that there are alternatives, they may see the light and decrease their chances of becoming obese.
The obesity epidemic is becoming larger and larger every year. It’s becoming more difficult for people to make healthier choices too when it comes to food and diet. Especially during these trying times, people seek out comfort food to make themselves feel better, not knowing that it’s taking a toll on their overall health.
