Teenage Obesity Is Linked To Fast Food

Teens in America are heavier than fourteen other nations. The study was conducted and about 30k young teens were evaluated. The ages of the interviewees were teens ages 13-15. Around %20 of these teens were classified as morbidly obese. The test was given to teenagers in 15 countries. The next obese country below the US was Greece. One scary statistic is the fact that %50 - %80 of morbidly obese teens that don't change their eating habits will become obese their entire lives.

According to these tests, researchers claim that fast food is one of the main reasons that teens are so fat. The United States has more fast food restaurants then a lot of countries combined. Along with more greasy places to eat, most teens don't get proper health foods including fruits and vegetables. Teens also don't exercise on a regular basis which could be a large factor in their overall weight gain. Some studies claim that countries with less fast food chains have less obese teens and adults.

Some people have argued that eating at fast food restaurants is easier and sometimes cheaper. Buying fresh ingredients and other healthy foods sometimes costs more than buying a $1 cheeseburger from the McDonalds dollar menu. One reason is the fact that some people not only think shopping healthy is more expensive but takes more time and energy. Buying a high in fat microwave dinner is a lot easier than cooking a healthy 5 course meal.

The fact is, fast food doesn't make teens fat. Teens who overeat make themselves fat. What America needs is people to better educate children and teens about the dangers of overeating. Parents also need to set a good example by not eating junk food all the time. There are many things that contribute to obesity and one is portion size. Young children and toddlers who are overweight can blame the care takers who give them junk food. We as parents have the responsibility to help our kids make positive health choices.