Obesity in adolescents is considered to be an epidemic in the United States and a critical health priority. It is said that nearly one-third of U.S. youths now are overweight or obese, and among those ages 12 to 19, obesity rates have more than tripled (Lavizzo 2) showing the United States that adolescents have been affected the most by obesity. The changes in diet associated with intake of foods higher in calories, sugar, and fat; fast-foods; larger portions; and the lack of time to prepare food at home have contributed to overeating and an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expended, resulting in overweight and obesity (Christian 2011). Being obese comes with health risks as well. As Mourey stated in 2009 obese adolescents are increasingly being diagnosed with conditions once considered adult illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Adolescents aged 12-19 should not be getting diagnosed with illnesses that people get in the later years of their life. They are also known to have a higher lifetime risk for health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, and some forms of cancer. People may blame parents for letting their adolescent child
ren get to the point of obesity, but once their kids hit a certain age, they are aware of what they eat, especially adolescents. Becoming an adolescent means taking on their own responsibility and part of that is making choices by themselves which includes what they choose to put in their body. Being overweight does not only lead to health related issues in the long run for adolescents, but also affects their self esteem issues. Crosnoe stated that obese youths often take feedback from their peers as negative leading to more negative self-concepts meaning they tend to have more negative thoughts about themselves which results in them turning to drugs, drinking or disengaging from social activities. Obese adolescents are also more prone to bullying making that another reason why they think negatively on themselves and adolescents that get bullied by their peers tend to have higher thoughts of suicide. Everyday is a battle for them to get up and go out in public places because they feel people judging them. They feel as if they will never be accepted by society because of their weight. Society also has an effect on the self esteem issues in adolescents because of its standards.