Child obesity is a serious medical condition affecting children and teenagers. In fact, in America alone, obesity has raised concerns among medical experts and parents as it has grown significantly in the past years, with 1 out of 5 children between the ages of 6 and 17 affected with the said disease. Even though obesity in children can be readily diagnosed, it is in fact, one of the most difficult to treat. The annual cost that obesity incurs to society is estimated at nearly $100 billion, and is pointed as the cause of 300,000 premature deaths.

A child or teen gaining a few extra pounds does not exactly mean that he or she is already obese. Child obesity is developed when the child or teen has significantly exceeded the weight appropriate for his or her age and height. This can be calculated using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The onset of obesity usually takes place between the ages of 5 and 6, but could also occur during adolescence. Studies have shown that if obesity is not given immediate medical attention, it is likely that the child or teen would become obese until his or her adulthood.

The cause of child obesity is a combination of genetic, behavioral and cultural factors, making it far more complex. Typically, obesity in children and teenagers is related to poor eating habits, binging or overeating, lack of exercise, low self esteem, stressful life events, family and peer issues, depression, and family history of obesity, medical illnesses and medications. Unfortunately, the failure of parents to seek medical attention for their obese children can have serious complications for the physical, social and emotional well-being of these youngsters. Some of the most notable physical consequences that obesity could bring include the development of type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, sleeping disorders, respiratory issues and early puberty and menstruation. On the other hand, social and emotional complications range from low self esteem, bullying and behavioral and learning issues as well as depression.

Due to the many dangers related to child and teenage obesity, it is imperative that parents are proactive in encouraging their kids to lead a healthy lifestyle. Even though child and teenage weight loss is always a difficult goal to accomplish, the most fundamental approach to keeping kids healthy is to consider obesity as a family challenge. As many people will say, "practice what you preach" and your kids would be able to adopt this mentality. Therefore, as a parent, you have to make healthy eating and exercise a regular affair for the whole family.

To this day, there is no general fast teen diet plan because weight loss programs are made based on the physical condition of children. But, as most medical professionals would suggest, you should adopt a low-carb diet plan for your family so as to reduce the carbohydrate consumption of your children, which is often the precursor of increase in weight. Where possible, get your kids involved in this fight against obesity by allowing them to help you plan and prepare family meals, and let them join you when you go to the grocery as these activities would certainly educate them about the value of healthy living. Equally important is that you encourage your children to participate in physical activities. But, before you actually let your child work out in the gym or in a youth center, you have to consult first with your family physician to know what physical activities your child should engage in. Through this, you can be assured that the exercise your child will engage is indeed appropriate for his or her age, health and overall condition.

Always take into consideration that obesity can actually turn into a lifetime problem if appropriate medical attention is not immediately given. With that said, as a parent, be sure that your child follows a natural and medically supervised teenage weight loss program that is suitable for his or her needs. Also, do not forget to raise the self-esteem of your child by emphasizing his or her strengths and positive attributes instead of his or her weight problem. Always remember that a lasting weight loss can only be achieved when there is motivation. By living a healthy lifestyle, you are setting a good example to your family and a healthy environment with which they will be encouraged to follow.