Obesity in TeensObesity in Teens: Facing the Epidemic As a Personal Trainer, I hold the responsibility of fighting the epidemic of obesity in teens. It is a problem facing our nation that has gotten out of control, but the good news is that it isn’t too late to help do something about it. How Did We Get to This Point? There are a number of items that contribute. Here are just a few:
The list goes on, but realizing the impact of these three and making the appropriate changes in each can make a significant difference in the lives of many teens facing obesity. Let’s take a closer look: – It’s been said a million times, but it’s true that the television age and the availability of computer technology for all the good they do, contribute equally as much to the sedentary lifestyles that children, teens, and adults all across our nation are facing. I wouldn’t rule out completely time spent on the computer for study and even some social networking, but it is important to realize how much time during the day, week, and month is dedicated to these pursuits. Keep track of your own computer and television usage for one week. You might be surprised by what you find. Just as in the “real world” where there are deadlines for individual and group projects and time management is of prime importance, it is wise to start thinking of your household in the same regard. Even if you are able to “free up” an hour each week, that space can be filled with family or individual physical activity that will hold the health benefits necessary to create change beginning with child obesity in America. Lack of parental involvement – To provide for the necessities and to allow a bright future for children, parents have increasingly been forced to spend more time at work during the week. The immediate impact is that less time is spent in the household promoting the benefits of physical activity. The automatic babysitter becomes the television not just for the children, but for the parents as well upon their return home from the workday. To create change in obesity in teens for future generations, it is important that parents lead by example. If you value fun, physical activity and involve your family, your kids should be less likely to become couch potatoes. Availability of transportation – More and more I see kids taking advantage of their parents’ willingness to drive them to destinations around town. Growing up in Framingham, I can remember walking all around town, whether it was to get a pack of baseball cards at the local convenience store, to meet friends for a pick-up game of basketball, or just to get to school in the morning. Sure, my Mom and Dad drove me sometimes and of course I was thankful, but in today’s society I see kids walking less and less, becoming lazier and lazier. Although walking may not be the most intense exercise, it can be the foundation for your overall general health and surprisingly can help to keep some of the pounds off. Given the current gas price crisis, it may not be a bad idea to get the whole family moving by getting outside for a “Sunday stroll” every day of the week. About the Author of "Obesity in Teens" David Bohmiller is an Author, Lecturer, Personal Trainer, and Fitness Consultant. He is the President/Owner of “My Personal Trainer School” and is nationally certified through the NSCA-CSCS. To learn more about his programs, services, and how he can help you, please visit his website at: http://www.my-personal-trainer-school.com Bohmiller is also the Author of the Personal Trainer Course e-book, a complete resource for Personal Trainers looking to increase their sales success.
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