In the last twenty years plus, the number of obese teenagers has tripled to almost nine million. The rise in teen-age obesity is staggering. Being overweight is difficult for anyone, but for teenagers the effects can be worse and include health problems and being entirely left out social scene.

Along with the rise in obesity numbers has been the rise in the number of children diagnosed with type two diabetes. This more severe form of diabetes used to only be seen in adults over the age of 40, lately research points to the increased obesity as the culprit. Type 2 diabetes can cause renal failure, blindness, and even death.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the sufferer quits breathing for short periods while sleeping. When a person is obese, there is little muscle tone around the airway and this can lead to sleep apnea. The resulting oxygen deficiencies can cause major medical problems, like brain damage, heart problems, and death.

Asthma may have an obesity link are the sudies that begun to show only recently. In cases of severe obesity the lungs cannot properly expand causing constriction of the airways. Also, its been suggested that the low grade systematic inflammation common in obese, this inflammation can affect smooth muscle tissue and cause more restriction of the airways.

Unfortunately teenagers have more to worry about than their physical health. School time can be a nightmare for the overweight teenager. Other kids are cruel and say nasty things to them. Often time’s teenagers who are overweight will become withdrawn and depressed, adding another ailment to the growing list of concerns.

Teen’s eating habits are a big factor in obesity of that age group. Teens are known for their preference for junk food. Vending machines containing junk food have been removed in many school districts. They have replaced them with juice, water, and healthy snacks.

In order for the teenager to go one-step further, they must begin to change their diet at home. Healthy home cooked meals need to replace the high caloric fast foods they so love.

A great idea is to plan your diet choices to be slowly added to your regular diet. Three regular meals per day and two snacks. Throw away packaged foods in favor of home made. Placing a little amounts of food on your plate and eating them slowly -remember they do not have to clean the plate!- is referred as portion control. You should include several servings of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you are consuming a balanced and healthy diet. You should drink alot of water because somtimes when we think we are hungry we are actually thirsty, and alot of water is very healthy.

Teenagers are getting less and less in the way of exercise. Increased television access, internet surfing and video games have made many a teenager almost sedentary. Take the television out of the bedroom and insist on viewing limits. Instead go for a walk as a family, or perhaps get bikes for everyone.

You can always think up some creative chores that will help them to get some exercise if nothing else works. No matter what it takes but your goal is to get them moving.