Issues in our Community: Teenage Obesity

By: Anonymous '11

Teen obesity is one of the biggest epidemics in America right now. If you are 20% over what is considered the normal weight, then you are medically obese. It is responsible for over 300,000 deaths a year. It is reported 42% of adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese. That puts 42% of America’s people 18 and younger at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. It is also noted that teens that are overweight now are more likely to be overweight as an adult. This means when they get older they are putting themselves at risk for other health problems.

Overweight children or teens just don’t have to deal with being overweight, but they also have to deal with being a social outcast. Being overweight amongst people your age that are skinny or normal weight size also give obese people low self-esteem. Having low self-esteem makes them not want to join any activities or be a part of something fun. Most likely when you are young and you’re suffering from low self-esteem, social discrimination and obesity you can fall into a depression. That causes you to stay home, watch television, play video games and gain more weight.

When Marine Math and Science Academy (MMSA) opened in the fall of 2007, not every student or cadet were able to get a JROTC uniform, they were considered “oversized” cadets. With every other cadet in their normal uniform, those teens were forced to wear a red polos and khaki pants. Now in the year of 2010 there are still cadets who have not received uniforms that others have gotten. Knowing that they cannot fit in a uniform really lowers their self-esteem and makes them feel left out. Also, during freshman year those cadets that were considered oversized were not allowed to go on trips like visits to College Fairs and the Memorial Day Parade because they didn’t have the right uniform. In addition, while other cadets were getting grades for inspection of the uniform those cadets had to sit out. Thankfully at MMSA all cadets are required to take a physical fitness test, which is some type of physical exercise.

Teen obesity is caused by unhealthy food choices and the lack of any physical activities. It is reported that 42% of America’s adolescent watch more than two hours of television a day. While food may be good for that moment, in the end you will suffer because those foods are what kill you. Tasty fast foods are very unhealthy and cause people to gain weight. MMSA students looking for a quick snack after school don’t have many healthy choices. Our neighborhood has places like McDonalds,Popeyes and Felony Franks, but these are very unhealthy food choices. Also kids who grow to be fat teens sometimes get it from how they were raised. Some students were raised by parents who also struggle with weight issues. People tend to suffer the same fate as their parents when it comes to obesity.

If you are an obese teen, there is nothing wrong with changing your ways right now. You can join sport activities and choose healthier snacks. Also while eating, when you feel you are getting full, just save the rest for later. You are not alone, there will always be someone to help and guide you to a healthier life.