Between 16 and 33% of adolescents are obese.

Obesity has more than doubled over the last 10 years.

Quality of living scores for kids who were morbidly obese were as low as those for adolescents undergoing

Obesity can cause arthritis, birth defects, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, low back pain, infertility, hypertension, gallbladder disease, etc. -American Obesity Association.

www.5aday.gov/

www.ntwrks.com/~mikev/chart1a.htm

home.about.com/z/cg/vp.htm?ch=
health&l=health/v/5&ap=1

www.calorie-counter.net/

www.youngwomenshealth.org/
healthyeating.html

www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/
obesity_in_children_and_teens

Being healthy is not about starving yourself! It is about eating those foods that are good for you and limiting those foods which are not good for you, such as sugars, sodas, potato chips, etc.

If your teen is overweight, talk to a doctor about how many calories they should be consuming per day as well as what physical activities could be incorporated into their daily routine. Evaluate your pantry and reduce the number of foods that are not healthy. Substitute them with healthier choices.

Start preparing family meals and plan them ahead of time to ensure they are well balanced, full of protein and other nutrients. Remember that a basic dinner includes a protein, vegetable/fruit and a starch.