poor little johnny

There was a time when chubby kids were considered cute, and Johnny was one of them. His parents assumed that his little rolls of fat would simply melt right off with age. But when their little angel grew to weigh more than them before he even hit puberty, which in turn caused him to suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression, they were horrified. The adorable toddler, who was once showered with compliments of his little blonde curls and chubby, rosy cheeks whenever in public, had grown older and was now looked upon with scorn and disgust by others. He had become obese. Johnny’s parents were desperate for a remedy, but the only way to undo what had been done was by eating healthy and exercising, which did not yield results overnight and required discipline.

Nearly one-third of the teenage population is now suffering a similar fate to Johnny. Obesity has become one of the most common eating disorders of our time, constituted by an excessive accumulation of body fat that is disproportional to one’s height. Teenage obesity is a battle we must put forth our greatest effort to conquer. We must hold individuals accountable and support them in turning around their life for the better. The best way to do so is to understand the problem from its core.

The two most common causes of obesity are lack of exercise and an unhealthy diet. Some even attribute them both to the way society is shaped. One only has to ask “how many of the foods in a grocery store don’t come in a bag, box, or can? How many hours does the average American sit at a computer or desk per day? How many teenagers play videogames or watch movies on a daily basis instead of engaging in physical activity? And how many times a week does the typical American eat fast food?” The answers to these are quite inimical, and most defiantly detrimental to the uneducated or recalcitrant individuals who chose to ignore the pleas of doctors and nutritionists alike.

Teen obesity does not only affect the way one looks or is perceived by others, but it is also dangerous for the health. The excess fat inhibits the internal organs from working properly, can cause diabetes, hypertension, and even orthopedic complications. Obese teens have an increased risk of heart diseases and may suffer from sleep and breathing problems. In addition, the emotional consequences are grave; many obese teens suffer from depression, anxiety, and/or obsessive compulsive disorder.

Although the majorities blame society and parents for teen obesity, I believe the individual is to be held responsible. If teens can make their own decisions concerning drugs, sex, and alcohol, and are “mature” enough to drive themselves wherever and whenever they so please, why is it that the blame is cast upon their parents, schools, and fast food restaurants? There is no need for teenagers to be idle and overweight just because life has been made easier for them.

Exercising on a daily basis and eating healthy are the two most effective ways to combat obesity. All teenagers, even those who are not concerned with their weight, should make an effort to combat the obstacles placed by society for the purpose of “convenience”, such as fast food more than once a week, or preferably 3 weeks, going for a run instead of perusing social networking sites all day, and walking those two blocks to get your groceries instead of driving.

Overall, obesity has gotten out of hand. Roughly about 20% of teenagers are suffering from this epidemic, and we as fellow teens must take care of our bodies and encourage those around us to do the same. Blaming parents or schools will not solve the problem, so it is our responsibility to make the right decisions that will.

Bibliography

"Teen Obesity." Doctors, Patient Care, Health Education, Medical Research | PAMF. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .

"Obesity In Children And Teens." American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .

"Teen Obesity Statistics - Troubled Teen." Troubled Teen - Issues, Suicide, Depression, Pregnancy. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .

"Teen and Childhood Obesity." ObesityHelp - Gastric Bypass, LAP-BAND® System, DS and Other Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. .

Documentary: Food Inc.