| The incidence of teenage obesity has increased | | | | and at the same time trying to establish their identify |
| dramatically, despite the fact that we live in a culture | | | | as adults, it can be overpowering. |
| where thin is beautiful. In our present society, thin is | | | | Young people need to be aware of the fact that |
| the only acceptable way to be, yet over half of the | | | | they are worthwhile individuals, irrespective of their |
| population of countries like the United States and the | | | | weight or looks. They also need to learn about |
| United Kingdom are overweight, and indeed around | | | | healthy eating, which will help them to avoid the |
| 20% of that group fall into the obese category. | | | | extremes of over-strict dieting and obesity. A lack of |
| With so much emphasis on appearance, it is hardly | | | | self-esteem and fear of putting on weight can lead |
| surprising that young people, especially young women | | | | to eating disorders and so young people should be |
| are self-conscious about their looks. Celebrities are in | | | | encouraged to have a healthy attitude towards their |
| the news all the time and many magazines take | | | | bodies and food. |
| great delight in pointing out their physical "flaws", | | | | If you have teenage children and are concerned |
| particularly when it comes to weight. | | | | about their weight, it is important to set a good |
| This creates a huge problem for teenagers, especially | | | | example, by teaching them to cook healthy yet |
| girls, who are expected to have the perfect figure, | | | | tasty meals - and eating properly yourself. You should |
| yet are constantly exposed to junk food, advertised | | | | also refrain from criticizing their appearance and |
| perhaps in the same publications which are criticizing | | | | encourage them to develop their strengths and do |
| stars for having put on a few pounds. Of course, | | | | the things they enjoy in life. |
| being constantly bombarded with these messages is | | | | Teenage obesity often leads to adult obesity, so |
| difficult for everyone who struggles with their | | | | don't think they'll grow out of it. |
| weight, but for young people who are still growing | | | | |
