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Chandria Denise Jones, MPH, Nicole Marie Headley, MPH, Hazel Emily Hooker, MPH, Lynda Humaran, MPH, and Janice Lachhman, MPH. Robert R. Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, VH 216, Miami, FL 33199, (305) 348-4903, cjone005@fiu.edu
Globally, the amount of overweight and obese individuals is rising towards pandemic proportions. Most striking is the number of obese and overweight children and adolescents. As children progress into adolescence, they gain independence from their parents and assume responsibility over their diet and exercise. Our research identified several social and behavioral factors that contribute to the obesity crisis in adolescents. Overeating and sedentary lifestyle are the main behavioral factors in why adolescents are becoming obese. Adolescents consume more empty calories and saturated fat today than they did 20 years ago. At the same time, they also spend less time performing physical activities. Moreover, several social determinants, such as family, ethnicity, and the media influence adolescents’ lifestyles and affect their eating habits. Unfortunately, the methods for controlling obesity are not straightforward because the condition is influenced by many factors, namely genes, metabolism, behavior, environment, culture, and socioeconomic status. We conclude that public health advocates worldwide need to promote healthier eating patterns and encourage more exercise in an attempt to reduce the percentage of obese adolescents. Interventions through policies, programs, and services on family and governmental levels must be implemented to combat the growing concern.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescents, International, Obesity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.