In particular, we’d all want to think that our children will practice healthy habits and eat nutritious foods in the present and the future.

But sometimes life hands you a picky eater, and you find yourself at a loss for what to feed them when they don’t budge from their comfort food of hamburgers or junk food.

One slow yet steadily growing adolescent health issue in the United States is overweight and obesity. A child with obesity is significantly heavier than what is considered healthy for their height.

They count as overweight when their body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 85th percentile and obese when they’re at the 95th percentile or more. Usually, people check their weight at their home or an urgent care clinic for an accurate reading.

Unfortunately, it has the potential to affect many children’s mental health in addition to their physical health. Children who are overweight are at a higher risk for many adult health conditions at an early age, such as diabetes, heart issues, stroke, and more.

Additionally, those youngsters who battle with their weight are more vulnerable to bullying and teasing, which can lead to low self-esteem and eating disorders.

Families should start cooking healthier meals and setting an excellent example for our children regarding diet and exercise. Start by reducing their intake of junk food and sugary food and increasing the number of healthy meals they eat.

Although teenagers can be challenging to communicate with and make independent decisions, City World Clinic, your family care clinic in Maryland, is aware of these challenges.

A primary care physician in College Park, Maryland, can assist you in tackling preventive medicine and give counseling for nutrition and obesity prevention. Contact us today for more details!