Weight gain and obesity are caused by consuming more calories than the body needs.
The problem of obesity in the United States has grown considerably in recent years. Between 15 and 35 percent of children and adolescents are obese.
Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat. Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 400,000 deaths each year.
Overweight teens are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating and exercise.
What causes obesity?
- Eating a diet high in fat and calories
- Quitting smoking: Smokers tend to gain weight after quitting.
- Overeating or binging
- Inactivity
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of obesity
- Medical illnesses
- Medications
- Depression or other emotional problems
- Stressful life events or changes
- Family and peer problems
- Low self-esteem
What are risks and complications of obesity?
There are many risks and complications with obesity. Physical consequences include:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- colon cancer
- Diabetes
- Breathing problems
- Trouble sleeping and other health problems
Teens who suffer obesity have increased risk of emotional problems. Teens with weight problems tend to have much lower self-esteem and be less popular with their peers. Depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder can also occur.
How can obesity be managed and treated?
Obese teens need a thorough medical evaluation by a pediatrician or family physician to consider the possibility of a physical cause. In the absence of a physical disorder, the only way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories being eaten and to increase the adolescent's level of physical activity.
The Lap band Surgery in teens offers great chances of successful weight loss control for the adolescent. It is proven to be a safe and effective procedure.
The less invasive approach that laparascopic procedures offer is one of its major advantages, since the teen is not exposed to any major surgical operation at such young age and allows to go back to normal activities such as school, college or sports.
|
